Nelly Furtado, the Grammy-winning pop sensation who rocked the music charts with hits like “I’m Like A Bird” and “Promiscuous,” has recently opened up about her experiences with the beauty standards imposed by the media during her early career. The Canadian singer revealed sensitive insights about how magazines manipulated her images, which stirred feelings of anger and frustration within her.
Speaking candidly to various outlets, including People, Furtado recounted how her olive skin would often be “lightened” digitally, and her hips were frequently altered. “I have olive skin, and they’d kind of lighten my skin a lot in photos, and kind of take my hips down all the time — they would always cut off [the images] in editorials,” she shared. This practice, she noted, was pervasive during the 2000s, affecting how she saw herself and her identity.
This recollection of airbrushing wasn’t just traumatic but also inspiring, sparking the creative energy behind her 2003 track “Powerless.” The poignant lyrics reflect her frustrations: “Paint my face in your magazines / Make it look whiter than it seems.” Through this song, Furtado articulated her feelings about cultural representation and the relentless pressure on women to conform to unattainable standards.
Having risen to fame nearly 25 years ago with her debut album Whoa, Nelly!, Nelly’s career has experienced several phases. Recently, she expressed her newfound respect for her legacy, particularly influenced by the younger Generation Z's enthusiastic adoption of her music on TikTok. “Gen Z sings all the words… blew my brain,” said the pop star, reflecting on her recent performances where the crowd's energy reignited her passion for her oeuvre. At 45, Furtado felt inspired, noting, "It was inspiring. I was able to celebrate myself a little bit more... This is not just a fun app. This is my music reconnecting. This is a big deal.'"
Furtado hinted at how her personal life, including her recent heartbreak after parting ways with rapper Gerard Damien Long, had also played a significant role in shaping her latest album, 7, which marks her first release after seven years away from the industry. “I was single again, so I was going to clubs, going to parties, and I’d hear my music everywhere,” she shared, admitting she was initially shy about hearing her songs. Being able to hear her music felt like validation, affirming her long-term career success.
Beyond her music, Furtado's early experiences taught her resilience and helped her carve out her identity within the industry. She described herself as “pretty feisty,” always prepared with her own clothing choices during photo shoots to maintain authenticity and comfort. This assertiveness, she believes, is key to surviving the pressures and cutthroat nature of the music business. “You have to, I think. You have to kind of have a sense of self. I think it’s important, to navigate the industry. You have to kind of listen to the tiny voice inside. That’s really important,” she advised.
Today, Furtado celebrates not only her return to music but also her creative partnership with her eldest daughter, Nevis Gahunia. The collaborative effort has resulted in fresh tracks on 7, where Nevis co-wrote multiple songs and significantly contributed to the album’s production and arrangements. This mother-daughter bonding over music has infused new life and meaning to Furtado’s artistic expression.
The duality of her success and struggles reflects the changing narrative surrounding female artists and body image within pop culture. Furtado’s experiences echo the broader themes of identity, cultural representation, and resilience, making her reflections both timely and relatable for many fans. For many, she stands as not just a pop icon but also as a voice of empowerment against the beauty standards of the past.
With her music now bridging generations, Nelly Furtado looks forward to influencing not just listeners but also challenging the industry norms. She's attempting to redefine what it means to be true to oneself amid the ever-contradicting pressures of fame and societal expectations. This, she believes, is the magic of music — its unifying power across these obstacles, creating connections and inspiring confidence.
Her latest album, 7, released on September 20th, has become emblematic of this transformation. A full-circle moment for Furtado, this album celebrates not just her comeback but also her matured perspective on artistry and motherhood, and more significant impact on her children, who are also integral parts of her creative process. All this makes the star’s musical return full of promise and nostalgia, urging listeners to appreciate the evolution of her craft and the stories she continues to share.
Furtado's experiences remind listeners and aspiring artists alike of the importance of authenticity and the courage it takes to stand against industry norms. Today’s narrative is shifting, and Nelly Furtado is at the forefront, championing the message of realness and belonging, proving there’s power— and beauty— in simply being oneself.
