What Do Nelly Furtado's Best Red Carpet Looks All Have in Common?
If you've got it, flaunt it!
Nelly Furtado, how we've missed you! The "I'm Like a Bird Singer" is set to release a brand new album, The Ride, on March 31. It's been five years since she last dropped a record, and the Canadian beauty told Billboard she's been using the downtime to tap into her authentic self.
That meant taking pottery classes, learning to sew, and taking frequent trips to Kenya. In other words: Nelly stayed far away from the glitz and glitter of the red carpet. But judging from her past, we bet she'll have no trouble stealing the spotlight the moment she chooses to step back in it.
As we prepare for a whole new slew of Nelly anthems—and perhaps even a new karaoke go-to—let's take a look back at her finest red-carpet moments. But first, here's a spoiler: The five-time Grammy winner has the regal posture and gorgeous shoulders to pull off going strapless in style. And, boy, does she know her way around a bright lip and a statement earring.
Strapless can be hapless on the wrong gal, but Nelly looked like a princess at the 2000 VH1 Divas Live concert.
Giorgio Armani dressed Nelly for the 2002 Grammys—and apparently sewed good luck up into the lacy confection of a gown. That night, the singer took home the honors for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Related: We are loving that lacy cuff.
After giving birth to a beautiful baby girl in 2003, Nelly took a bit of a break from the strapless moments. But, she was back to her old tricks for the 2005 MTV Europe Awards.
In 2006, Nelly looked like a terribly glam snowflake at the Z100 Jingle Ball concert in New York. Wearing a strapless look in the middle of an East Coast winter proves a fierce commitment to the look—and that Velma-Kelly-like bob is fierce AF.
Here's something else to love about this lady: Nelly is very purposeful in the designers she chooses, and she made a statement by wearing all LGBTQ designers on a recent appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers. She also stays true to her roots, and often works with edgy Canadian designers. Arthur Mendonça, made her cobalt-blue look for the 2008 Grammys.
Would it be wrong to say she looked "Like a Bird" in this Mendonça canary dress worn for her red carpet appearance at the 2010 Billboard Latin Music Awards?
A curve-hugging Herve Leger dress made Nelly the star of the 12 Much Music Awards, which are Canada's answer to the MTV VMAs.
Incidentally, an appearance on WWHL later that year brought a bonus Andy-theme fashion accessory that's too good not to share again.
It's been a few years since Nelly went all out strapless on the red carpet, but she peeped one shoulder out for 2016's VH1 Hip Hop Honors. So maybe she's ready to bare all again as she goes on The Ride?
