Furtado: 'Madonna should age naturally'

Rex Features

Nelly Furtado has claimed that she is not prepared to exercise as much as Madonna to maintain a young physique.

The singer, who released Spanish-language album Mi Plan in September, admitted that her looks will eventually affect her career.

"I am not ready to adjust physically, just to be marketable. My sell-by date will run out eventually," she told Petra.

"Unlike Madonna, I wouldn't be willing to do Pilates round the clock just to slow down the deterioration of my body. I prefer to sit in the kitchen, drink tea and eat biscuits."

The star, who is married to sound engineer Demacio Castellon and has 6-year-old daughter Nevis from a previous relationship, added that she insisted on having a break after promoting her last album Loose to spend time with her family.

"After the tour I was terribly exhausted and had to find a way back to a healthy routine," she said.

"I cooked chicken soup for my family and just enjoyed everyday life. The small things that make you happy are important to me."