Nelly Furtado recently shared an interesting story about turning down an invitation from Drake.

  • She was invited to perform on short notice in their hometown, Toronto.
  • Furtado holds Drake in high regard, calling him influential for putting Toronto on the map.
  • Though she declined initially, she later joined him on stage at a major event.
  • Her desire to collaborate with Drake someday remains strong.

Nelly Furtado opened up about an intriguing episode from her career, where she had to decline a last-minute performance offer from Drake. They both share roots in Toronto, and Drake extended an invitation to Furtado at 11 p.m., expecting her to perform just two hours later by 1 a.m.

Furtado’s reason for saying no wasn’t due to any lack of admiration for Drake. She expressed her fondness for the artist, mentioning how she needed more time to prepare, specifically for hair and makeup, considering the inevitable media coverage such a high-profile event would attract.

Despite this missed opportunity, Furtado’s appreciation for Drake was evident as she spoke about his significant role in elevating the status of Toronto and Canada in the music world. She emphasized her desire to create music with him, pointing out their shared Canadian heritage.

Eventually, Furtado did get the chance to join Drake on stage for his October World Weekend in 2022. During the opening night, Drake introduced her with genuine admiration, attributing much of his musical inspiration to her and inviting the crowd to extend their appreciation.


Drake’s introduction of Furtado was emotional, highlighting how her music influenced his life profoundly. This was part of his larger tribute to artists who had a substantial impact on Toronto’s hip-hop scene.

Drake reminisced about his teenage years when he attended an event where JAY-Z performed with Kardinal Offishall, a pivotal moment for him. This memory fueled Drake’s aspiration to bring such impactful experiences to Toronto, fostering a vibrant local music culture.

Furtado and Drake’s mutual respect points to a potential collaboration in the future.

Related Posts