On October 24, Nelly Furtado celebrated the 25th anniversary of her debut album, “Whoa, Nelly!” by announcing her retirement from live performances. In an Instagram post, Furtado expressed her decision to step back from performing to focus on other creative and personal pursuits that align with the next phase of her life. Despite her retirement from live shows, she emphasized her continued passion for songwriting, which she views as a lifelong endeavor.
Furtado, who achieved immense success with “Whoa, Nelly!” released in 2000, garnered critical acclaim and commercial success with hit singles like “I’m Like a Bird.” The album achieved double-platinum certification and earned Furtado prestigious accolades, including three Juno Awards in 2001 for best songwriter, best solo artist, and best single for “I’m Like a Bird.” Additionally, the song won a Grammy Award in 2002 for best female pop vocal performance.
Recognized as the best artist of 2001 by CBC Music, Furtado’s unique blend of pop, trip-hop, and traditional Portuguese influences in “Whoa, Nelly!” was praised for its innovative approach that resonated with audiences at the turn of the millennium. The album’s impact was further acknowledged when it was released on vinyl for the first time last year.
Recently, Furtado has been actively touring and promoting her 2024 album, “7,” with performances at various European festivals such as Sziget Festival in Budapest and Super Bloom Festival in Munich. While bidding farewell to live performances, Furtado extended her well wishes to emerging artists, hoping for many successful and passionate years ahead for the new generation in the music industry.
