Nelly Furtado is preparing to bring down the curtain on her touring life. The renowned singer behind “I’m Like a Bird” has announced a significant professional transition, disclosing her intention to take an indefinite hiatus from live performances and concert tours.
“I have decided to step away from performance for the foreseeable future,” she wrote in a post on Instagram Oct. 23, “and pursue some other creative and personal endeavors that I feel would better suit this next phase of my life.”
The 46-year-old artist proceeded to express her gratitude to her supporters and creative partners “for all the years of fun, community and wonder” that have followed the debut of her first album, Whoa, Nelly!, in October 2000.
“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 continued. “I’ll identify as a songwriter forever.”
Furtado also offered an encouraging note for aspiring musicians who hope to emulate her success, extending her wishes for “many years of fruitful and passionate performance” to the “new generation of artists.”
Although the Grammy Award-winning artist may be stepping back from the stage, her popular songs continue to find a connection with a younger audience through social media platforms.
“To have so many people rediscovering my music has been surreal and joyful,” she gushed. “It’s been so fun embracing this opportunity, getting out on stages again and seeing up close, the true lasting power of good music. It’s made me really believe in magic.”
Furthermore, Furtado has been quick to acknowledge her 22-year-old daughter, Nevis Gahunia, whom she shares with her former partner, Jasper Gahunia, for her assistance in navigating the world of digital media.
“I would say when my music first started trending on TikTok, my oldest daughter was only 16 or 17,” Nelly told in August 2024. “At the time, I was quite unfamiliar with it ‘cause I was home with the babies and stuff.” (Furtado is also the mother of a 7-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son with rapper Jerry.)
In fact, the singer pointed out that Nevis has since assumed an essential role in her professional endeavors.
“I’m lucky she comes in the studio with me and helps me out as well,” she gushed. “There’s nothing better than having that creative connection with your child and being able to work on something special together.”