Grammy-winning artist Nelly Furtado has announced she is taking a step back from live performances “for the foreseeable future,” citing online body-shaming as a major factor behind her decision.
The Canadian singer, known worldwide for hits like “I’m Like a Bird” and “Promiscuous”, revealed her plans in a heartfelt Instagram post on the 25th anniversary of her debut album, Whoa, Nelly!
“I have decided to step away from performance for the foreseeable future and pursue some other creative and personal endeavors that I feel would better suit this next phase of my life,” Furtado wrote.
The 45-year-old artist reassured fans that while she may be leaving the concert stage behind for now, her passion for music will never fade. “I’ll identify as a songwriter forever,” she added, emphasizing that songwriting remains at the core of who she is.
The decision comes after the star has faced waves of online body-shaming, with critics targeting her recent public appearances. Her choice to pause live performances highlights the growing conversation around the toll of online harassment on mental health and creativity in the entertainment industry.
