@NELLY FURTADO..........Nelly Kim Furtado (born December 2, 1978, in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada) is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and actress known for her genre-blending music and distinctive voice. She has sold over 45 million records worldwide, making her one of Canada's most successful artists. Early Life & Career Beginnings Furtado was born to Portuguese parents and grew up in a musically inclined household. She started writing songs at age 12 and gained recognition after performing at the Honey Jam Talent Show, which led to her debut album. Breakthrough & Rise to Fame Her debut album, Whoa, Nelly! (2000), was a critical and commercial success, featuring the Grammy-winning hit I'm Like a Bird and Turn Off the Light. Her second album, Folklore (2003), explored her Portuguese heritage but had moderate success compared to her debut..........