Nelly Furtado announces departure from the stage

Amid criticism of her figure

This year, Nelly Furtado once again found herself in the spotlight – not for new music, but for noticeable changes in her appearance. Over the past few years, the singer had gained weight, yet she did not hide behind loose clothing. On the contrary, she spoke openly about self-acceptance and proudly showcased her new body.

«In 2025, the body should be natural and authentic», the singer wrote, encouraging her fans not to be ashamed of their figures.

However, her bold stance was not appreciated by everyone: after her performances at the Suikerrock and Boardmasters festivals in August, photos of Nelly Furtado spread rapidly online, sparking a wave of discussion and hate comments.

On the eve of the 25th anniversary of her debut album Whoa, Nelly!, the singer unexpectedly announced her decision to step away from live performances. On social media, she thanked her fans for their support and shared the reasons behind her choice.

According to the artist, the long career break before her return in 2024 allowed her to see her music from a fresh perspective:

«The fact that so many people are rediscovering my music is incredible. I cherished every opportunity to get back on stage and feel the power of good music. It made me believe in the magic once again».

Now, Nelly has decided to focus on other projects:

«Nevertheless, I have decided to step away from live performances for a while to dedicate myself to other creative and personal endeavors, which I believe better align with the next chapter of my life».

Many fans and media outlets speculate that the singer was prompted to take this step by the wave of criticism following discussions about her appearance. Perhaps this is indeed the case – and that makes it all the more poignant.

Photo: Instagram @nellyfurtado