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Beauty Desk, Delhi Magazine: In a recent interview with People, singer Nelly Furtado opened up about the challenges she faced during the early stages of her music career, including how industry standards impacted her appearance in photos. The Grammy Award-winning artist, known for chart-topping hits like “I’m Like a Bird” and “Turn Off the Light,” recalled the pressures of conforming to unrealistic beauty ideals.
Now 45, Furtado revealed, “I have dark skin, and they used to lighten it in the photos.” She also shared that her body was often altered in post-production: “It was common for them to make my hips smaller in photo shoots.” This experience of being physically altered without her consent left a lasting impression on the singer.
Furtado channeled these experiences into her music, specifically in her song “Powerless,” from her 2003 album Folklore. The song speaks to the feeling of having one’s identity stripped away, and it became an anthem of empowerment for many who resonated with her story.
Despite the challenges, Furtado, the daughter of Portuguese immigrants, expressed gratitude for the support she received from her family and team, saying she felt protected in many ways. “I was lucky to have a strong support system both personally and professionally,” she noted.
Furtado’s reflections highlight the darker aspects of fame, but also emphasize her resilience and commitment to staying true to herself. Her journey, from navigating industry pressures to creating music that speaks to personal and collective struggles, continues to inspire her global fanbase.
Who is Nelly Furtado
Nelly Furtado is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer known for her eclectic musical style and powerful voice. Born on December 2, 1978, in Victoria, British Columbia, Furtado gained global recognition with her debut album Whoa, Nelly! in 2000, which featured the hit singles “I’m Like a Bird” and “Turn Off the Light.” “I’m Like a Bird” earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, marking the start of her successful career.
Her music spans a variety of genres, including pop, folk, R&B, and hip-hop. In 2006, Furtado released her critically acclaimed third album, Loose, which showcased a more urban and dance-oriented sound. The album featured chart-topping hits like “Promiscuous,” “Maneater,” and “Say It Right,” further establishing her as a pop icon.
Nelly Furtado’s versatility and ability to reinvent her sound have kept her relevant over the years. She has also collaborated with notable artists such as Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, and Juanes. Beyond music, Furtado has been involved in philanthropic work, particularly in the areas of education and women’s rights.
Recent Work
Nelly Furtado is making a major comeback in the music world. She recently released her new album, 7, in September 2024, her first in seven years. This album marks a special collaboration with her daughter, Nevis Gahunia, who helped write and record much of the music. It’s a deeply personal album for Nelly, as she wrote hundreds of songs, exploring her emotions following her split from ex-partner Jerry Long and bonding with Nevis through the creative process.
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In addition to her music, Nelly has teased other exciting projects, such as a potential Las Vegas residency, hinting at a collaboration with her longtime producer, Timbaland(Wikipedia)(Our Culture)(Peoplemag).