Shy’m has once again stepped away from her role in the Paris production of “Chicago,” citing ongoing health concerns. The singer, who was cast as Velma Kelly, initially paused her performances in December 2025, and has now announced a further extension of her leave.
The news comes after Shy’m briefly returned to the stage for two performances on January 24th and 25th. Despite intensive training and those initial appearances, the artist has been unable to consistently perform. “I have to face the facts, I’m not ready,” Shy’m shared on her Instagram account. “I still feel daily dizziness that prevents me from going on stage.”
This isn’t the first time health issues have forced Shy’m to withdraw from the production. She initially announced her absence in December, attributing it to medical advice. The current setback follows a period of attempting to regain her strength and stamina for the demanding role. “I hoped each day that they would be shorter, and to return quickly to the stage of Chicago, hence my silence,” she explained in a social media post. “But I have to face the fact that I am not ready.”
The role of Velma Kelly requires significant physical exertion, and Shy’m’s dizziness poses a clear risk during performances. She described experiencing a head injury, stating, “A bump on the head when you’re not the Boss you think you are… difficult weeks.” She emphasized the need to prioritize her well-being, acknowledging that her body “hasn’t left [her] a choice but to obey.”
Lisa Lanteri will continue to cover Shy’m’s performances. Lanteri previously filled in for the singer during her initial absence, providing a stable presence for the production. Shy’m expressed hope for a swift return, stating she wishes to be back on stage “soon.”
Shy’m, whose real name is Tamara Marthe, had spoken about the intense preparation required for the role prior to the musical’s launch. In an interview with Le Parisien in November 2025, she confessed to having “never worked so hard.” “It was even harder than I expected! I think we underestimate the work of musical theatre artists,” she said at the time.
The challenges Shy’m has faced highlight the physical demands placed on performers in large-scale musical productions. “Chicago,” a long-running and iconic musical, requires its leads to deliver both powerful vocal performances and dynamic choreography. The production, currently playing at the Casino Barrière de Paris, has garnered significant attention in France, and Shy’m’s casting was initially seen as a major draw for audiences.
The situation underscores the often-hidden pressures faced by artists balancing creative commitments with personal health. Shy’m’s willingness to publicly address her health struggles and prioritize her recovery is a notable example within the entertainment industry. Her message on Instagram also touched on the importance of self-care, stating a need to “treat the pains, the boo-boos of life, the life of boo-boos especially, the advice of boo-boos too.”
While a specific timeline for Shy’m’s return remains uncertain, the production has assured audiences that Lanteri is fully prepared to continue in the role. The focus now shifts to Shy’m’s recovery and her eventual return to the stage, a prospect she clearly desires. The incident serves as a reminder of the dedication and resilience required of performers, and the importance of prioritizing health and well-being in a demanding industry.
