Nelly Furtado has once again delighted fans while sending a strong message about body positivity. The Grammy-winning superstar, 46, used her recent Manchester Pride performance on August 24 to challenge critics with her fashion choice, hitting the stage in an oversized T-shirt featuring an optical-illusion outline of a woman’s body.
The shirt boldly depicted a woman’s torso—complete with a partially exposed midriff and the words “Whoa, Nelly!” on the belt, a nod to Furtado’s iconic debut album. While Nelly didn’t directly comment on her wardrobe, social media instantly buzzed with interpretations, with many fans seeing the shirt as a powerful response to persistent body shaming.
Support poured in across platforms. One TikTok user praised, “Love her T-shirt… it really sticks two fingers up at the media,” while others applauded her confidence and authenticity, calling her a “Beautiful Queen” who is “happy in her own body—that’s what matters.”
Furtado later thanked fans on Instagram, celebrating nearly 25 years since “Whoa, Nelly!” and reaffirming the album’s core message of self-love. Her stylist, Phil Gomez, seemed to confirm the intent behind the look, sharing that the outfit “shuts down body shamers.”
In a recent post, Nelly reflected on the public scrutiny she faces, saying, “I became aware of the aesthetic pressure of my work in a brand new way, while simultaneously I experienced new levels of self-love and genuine confidence from within.” She encouraged her followers to “express yourself freely, celebrate your individuality, and know that it’s perfectly OK to be OK with what you see in the mirror.”
Nelly’s Manchester Pride moment is resonating with fans and making headlines—not just for its flair, but for standing up to harsh commentary with humor and style.
