Twenty-five years after the release of her debut album Whoa, Nelly!, Victoria-born music icon Nelly Furtado has announced she’s stepping away from performing for the foreseeable future to focus on other creative and personal endeavours.
In a heartfelt message to fans this weekend, Furtado reflected on her journey from a young woman discovering her artistic identity to one of Canada’s most celebrated musicians.
She also shared her gratitude for a career that has spanned decades, stages, and generations of listeners.
“Twenty-five years ago today my first album Whoa, Nelly! was released,” she wrote.
“In the first slide I am 20 years old, about to play my first show as a professional artist at Lilith Fair. It was so meaningful and my artist self felt so actualized.”
Furtado grew up in Victoria, the daughter of Portuguese immigrants from the Azores. She began performing in church as a child, later learning to play several instruments and write songs as a teenager.
After moving to Toronto, her talent caught the attention of producers, and her path to international fame began.
Her debut album quickly launched her into stardom with hits like I’m Like a Bird and Turn Off the Light. The success earned her a Grammy Award and introduced her as a fresh new voice in pop music at the turn of the millennium.
Over the years, Furtado’s sound evolved across multiple styles, from folk and worldbeat to R&B and electronic pop.
Her 2006 album Loose marked her commercial peak with global hits such as Promiscuous and Say It Right. The record went on to sell more than ten million copies worldwide, securing her place among Canada’s most successful musical artists.
Even with her global fame, Furtado has often spoken about her deep connection to Vancouver Island and how her upbringing shaped her as a person and performer.
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Growing up in a working-class family in Victoria gave her the grounded perspective that carried through her career.
As she looked back on her 25-year journey, Furtado said she’s been amazed by how her music continues to find new life with younger audiences.
“To have so many people rediscovering my music has been surreal and joyful,” she said. “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.”
Now, Furtado says she feels ready to enter a new phase of her life, one that’s less about the stage and more about creativity on her own terms.
“I have decided to step away from performance for the foreseeable future and pursue some other creative and personal endeavours that I feel would better suit this next phase of my life,” she wrote.
“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. I’ll identify as a songwriter forever.”
She also expressed deep appreciation for those who have supported her along the way.
“Endless gratitude to anyone who has ever listened and vibrated with my music and attended any of my shows,” she wrote. “I love you and your open hearts.”
Furtado’s decision marks the close of one era and the start of another.
Her influence continues to be felt across generations, with songs that remain part of Canada’s pop culture and a story that continues to inspire.
As she put it simply in her message: “Thank you and goodnight.”