Nelly Furtado, the Grammy-winning singer behind hits like I’m Like a Bird, has announced she is stepping away from live performances indefinitely. The 46-year-old said she wants to focus on other creative and personal projects that “better suit” the next phase of her life.
Furtado shared the news in an Instagram post on October 23, thanking fans and collaborators for “all the years of fun, community and wonder” since her debut album Whoa, Nelly! in 2000. She added that while she will pause performing, she will continue writing music, which she considers a lifelong passion.
“To have so many people rediscovering my music has been surreal and joyful,” Furtado wrote, noting the enduring impact of her work on younger fans, particularly through social media platforms like TikTok.
Furtado also credited her 22-year-old daughter, Nevis Gahunia, with helping her navigate the digital music landscape. “I’m lucky she comes in the studio with me and helps me out as well. There’s nothing better than having that creative connection with your child,” she said.
The singer, who has three children in total, wished success to the “new generation of artists,” encouraging them to pursue passionate and fruitful careers in music.
