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Nelly Furtado, the Grammy-winning pop star behind I’m Like a Bird and Promiscuous, has announced she will step back from live performances. She shared the news on Oct. 24 through social media, and the timing is significant. The announcement coincides with the 25th anniversary of her debut album Whoa, Nelly!. While fans may feel disappointed, her message highlights both gratitude for the past and excitement for the future.
Shifting Toward Songwriting
Furtado explained that she wants to focus on “creative and personal endeavors” that better fit this stage of her life. Moreover, she stressed that she will always see herself as a songwriter. “I have enjoyed my career immensely, and I still love writing music as I have always seen it as a hobby I was lucky enough to make into a career,” she wrote. Therefore, her words show a clear shift from performance to artistry, with songwriting at the center.
Her announcement arrives as a new generation rediscovers her music. From her first professional show at Lilith Fair in 1999 to her recent concert in Berlin, she has seen her songs connect across decades. In addition, she described the experience as “surreal and joyful,” adding that it made her “really believe in magic.” Back in 2000, she hoped someone might one day find Whoa, Nelly! in a record shop. Now, she marvels at how streaming and digital platforms have made that dream real.
Reinvention Through Collaboration
In 2024, she released 7, an album created with her daughter Nevis. She described the project as a reinvention: “a whole new me, who’s stronger, braver, more confident.” As a result, the record highlighted her ability to evolve while staying true to her roots. Ultimately, that balance of legacy and reinvention now defines her outlook.
As Furtado steps away from the spotlight, she leaves fans with a clear message. Her time on stage may pause, but her identity as a songwriter remains firm. Consequently, for longtime listeners and new fans alike, her announcement is both a farewell to live shows and a reminder of the lasting power of her music.
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