TORONTO -- In 2001, singer Nelly Furtado burst onto the scene with a diverse blend of hip-hop, pop and Latin sounds.

By the time she bounced on-stage to "One Trick Pony" at the Molson Amphitheatre last night, the Toronto-based songbird was out to demonstrate how much she's stretched her vocal talent and choice of styles since her debut album, "Whoa Nelly!"

Touring in support of 2003's "Folklore," her funkadelic opener was followed by the rock-tinged "Explode" in which she picked up the electric guitar.

Backed by a full band, backup singer and DJ, "Fresh Off The Boat" came next and found the singer traversing the stage waving and smiling at her fans.

But if songs like "Try" were meant to get the crowd going, tracks like the introspective "Picture Perfect" were there to rebel against the pop-star image Furtado has fashioned for herself.

And while she managed to sing in compassionate tones on her smash-hit "I'm Like A Bird," Furtado made sure fans knew that this show was all about mixing old-school simplicity with Latin grooves and hip-hop beats.

"Party" had a throng of teenyboppers dancing in the aisles. Saying she wanted to see how "Toronto dances," the singer invited some lucky fans to join her onstage to shake themselves to a musical medley that sampled R & B and Latin.

But the loudest screams came during Furtado's celebratory "Forca."

Portuguese flags were being waved about in total abandon and beach balls were being thrown around near the front while the crowd gladly helped sing the chorus.

"Powerless (Say What You Want)" closed the 75-minute show in what amounted to a carnival of energy and new-age party music.

DJ Lal and Juno-nominated Shaye opened the show.

After a brief set from Lal, East Coast-based trio Shaye, comprised of Kim Stockwood, Damhnait Doyle and Tara McLean, matched a multi-layered sound with a strong vocal performance.

Whether trying to rock out on tracks like "On And On," or attempting to evoke the broken musical landscape from which they were born on "How The West Was Won," Shaye proved to be a band Canadians should listen for.

JAM! Rating: 4 out of 5