At the Juno Awards on Sunday, Nelly Furtado turned heads in a striking red corset gown as she was officially inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, marking a triumphant moment just five months after announcing a temporary retirement from live performance.
The 47-year-old pop icon, known for hits like I’m Like a Bird and Faded, chose a strapless red-and-black patterned gown with a corseted back and flowing pannier, designed by Indigenous designer Lesley Hampton. Styled by Marc Andrew Smith and accessorized with Alexis Bittar jewelry and Gianvito Rossi heels, Furtado wowed on the orange carpet at Hamilton, Ontario’s TD Coliseum. Hairstylist Kelly Araujo polished her signature bob while makeup artist Susana Hong highlighted her striking blue eyes.
Onstage, Furtado reflected on her Canadian roots, calling herself “literally a product of the Canadian dream” and urging others to believe in the country’s support for art and culture. Her heartfelt speech was followed by a tribute performance featuring artists such as Lido Pimienta, Tanya Tagaq, Shawn Desman, Jully Black, Kardinal Offishall, and Alessia Cara, performing a medley of Furtado’s iconic songs over the years.
Even Canadian superstar Drake joined virtually to honor Furtado, calling her one of his favorite artists and sharing how her success inspired his own journey.
The celebration also coincides with a new exhibit at Calgary’s National Music Centre, running through February 2027, featuring Furtado’s costumes, childhood ukulele, teenage songwriting pages, and awards—a testament to her enduring legacy.
Furtado’s induction comes after a challenging period in which she publicly addressed the body-shaming pressures of her career and stepped back from performing to focus on personal and creative endeavors. Now, she is returning to music with a new single, Electric Circus, produced by Canadian hitmaker Boi-1da, releasing April 10 ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With over 45 million records sold, 20 billion global streams, and three children, Furtado continues to balance her legendary music career with her role as a mother, proving that her artistry and influence remain as vibrant as ever.#newsafro_
