10 Singers Who Threatened to Stop Making Music (& Why)

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re going over some of the most famous musical artists who warned fans they might quit the industry before their time.

Lewis Capaldi

In 2023, the Scottish balladeer told the world about his diagnosis with Tourette’s syndrome. Lewis Capaldi explained his condition with his characteristic humor. However, he also relayed how the condition is aggravated by performing and touring. If his condition gets to the point where performing becomes impossible, he admits he’ll have to slow down and potentially retire. Capaldi did begin a hiatus after displaying symptoms at the 2023 Glastonbury Festival. But it didn’t last too long. He returned with new singles in 2025. If anything, Capaldi’s charisma and quick wit could mean a great career in comedy.

Lizzo

Despite having a song catalog that’s almost exclusively populated by upbeat, self-love anthems, Lizzo gets more than her fair share of online hate. Her message of body positivity hasn’t won over everyone. In a since-deleted Instagram post from March 2024, Lizzo released a statement that ended with the words “I QUIT.” This came after lawsuits filed by former backup dancers who alleged several instances of harassment, discrimination, and other unprofessional behaviors. Lizzo came forward to clarify the statement. While it initially read like a retirement, she insisted it was just a poorly worded declaration that she was no longer entertaining negativity.

Selena Gomez

Since making her successful, Emmy-nominated foray into TV with “Only Murders in the Building,” Selena Gomez’s music career has been on the backburner. Admitting that acting was always her first love, she spoke on the “SmartLess” podcast about potentially giving up music. The “Bad Liar” singer floated that she may have one album of new material left. Though she doesn’t appear ready to hang it up just yet, it’s understandable that she would be preparing us now. Between the acting, TV hosting gigs, and burgeoning cosmetics empire, she’s got more than enough on her plate.

Paloma Faith

Sometimes a heartbreak can inspire a musician. The singer behind “Only Love Can Hurt Like This” knows that very well. In Paloma Faith’s case, heartbreak also caused her to reevaluate her career. Faith’s long-term relationship ended, leading to her acclaimed 2024 album “The Glorification of Sadness.” It also had her considering leaving music to become a teacher. Sitting down for interviews with several outlets, she expounded on the end of her relationship and confessed the possibility that she might give it all up and become a teacher. While more music was coming, Faith says she’s considering leaving the music industry.

SZA

Superstardom has been a slow burn for this singer. SZA’s been putting out great music since the early 2010s, but seems at peace with the idea of slowing down. On X, SZA posted that once she satisfied the terms of her record contract, she had plans to make a surprising career move. She announced her intention to turn to farming with the generous aim of providing food for underserved communities. She made a similar claim about leaving the industry as early as 2016 due to disputes with her record label. But something about this feels real.

Azealia Banks

In 2019, the artist behind “212” took to Instagram to tease that she was quitting music for good. In Azealia Banks’ words, her music is simply too good for the public. Taking aim at the negative media attention about her, she essentially promised never to release another work as punishment. She does have a point. Banks courts controversy like few other artists. Between her inflammatory statements and bizarre social media behavior, her body of work has long become a distant memory. She has released some songs since the announcement, but always under a cloud regarding her management, her labels, or her collaborators.

Jay-Z

The rapper-turned-mogul didn’t just threaten to quit music. He made it official. Seemingly at the height of his fame, Jay-Z was expanding his empire behind the scenes. In 2003, he announced his retirement from making solo studio albums. But this didn’t last too long. Various appearances and high-profile collaborations kept him in the spotlight. While he claimed he wasn’t going to make music, he stayed firmly inside the music industry as an executive. But by 2006, he was back with a new album. In fact, some of his biggest successes were still to come.

Ariana Grande

With an Academy Award nomination on her resume and her success in the “Wicked” films, Ariana Grande is on her way to becoming a movie star on top of a pop star. But her role as Galinda almost had a consequence no one knew about. As she told writer and podcaster Evan Ross Katz, when she took the role, Grande had intended to leave music and commit to acting full-time. Though she has since reassured us that she’s not quitting, the idea that she could leave the recording booth behind is enough to make Arianators everywhere start to sweat a little.

Nicki Minaj

Fans didn’t know what to think in October 2025 when the “Pink Friday” artist announced that she was canceling her upcoming sixth album slated for March 2026. Her loyal fans are holding out hope. She made a similar announcement in 2019. But this announcement came after heavily-publicized political statements, legal troubles, and social media feuds with Jay-Z, Cardi B, and the Roc Nation record label. She even signed off her X post saying bye to her loyal fans, the Barbz. Minaj explained, saying that quitting music would be a damning blow to her industry enemies who want to use her artistry and success to make money for themselves.

Chappell Roan

Fame has its drawbacks. Chappell Roan has never shied away from sharing them. Despite criticism, she has been clear about how it feels to be followed home, accosted at the airport, and to have so-called fans invade her family’s privacy. She made herself clear. Once she feels the attention and danger is too much, she says she has no problem dropping music entirely if her safety is at stake. Since her near-overnight rise to fame, the “Pink Pony Club” singer has stood firm in her beliefs and ideals. It’s earned her praise and vitriol in equal measure, but one thing’s for sure. She’s going to defend herself.

Whose early retirement would crush you the most? Tell us in the comments.

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