Nelly Furtado is stepping back from the stage.

The Grammy-winning artist announced on Instagram that she will be taking a break from performing live “for the foreseeable future,” marking a major shift in her 25-year career. The post coincided with the anniversary of her debut album Whoa, Nelly!, which first introduced her to audiences in 2000 and helped launch her into global stardom.

“All this aside, 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. “I have enjoyed my career immensely, and I still love writing music … I’ll identify as a songwriter forever.”

Her message was equal parts reflective and grateful. “Endless gratitude to anyone who has ever listened and vibrated with my music and attended any of my shows,” she added, noting that performing live again in recent years has been deeply rewarding but that her focus is now shifting toward new creative paths.

Furtado’s decision doesn’t signal retirement. Instead, she described this period as a personal realignment, one where she can step away from the intensity of touring while continuing to create.

The announcement comes at a fitting time, as she celebrates 25 years since Whoa, Nelly! changed the pop landscape. Songs like “I’m Like a Bird,” “Promiscuous,” and “Maneater” cemented her as one of the most distinctive voices of the early 2000s, known for her blend of pop, R&B, and world influences.

Furtado ended her post with a message for the next generation of artists, encouraging them to find their own balance and creativity. “I wish the next generation many years of fruitful and passionate performance,” she wrote.

For fans, the news marks a bittersweet moment. While live performances may be off the table for now, Furtado made it clear that her artistic journey is far from over. Songwriting remains her constant, and if history is any guide, she’s likely to keep finding new ways to surprise listeners.