Career Timeline of Lorde: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Lorde, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Lorde, born Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor, is a New Zealand singer-songwriter celebrated for her unique brand of pop music and introspective songwriting. She gained international recognition at a young age, distinguishing herself with thoughtful lyrics and a distinct musical style. She has earned critical acclaim and a devoted following for her artistic vision and contributions to contemporary music.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1985: Covering "Everybody Wants to Rule the World"

In November 2013, Lorde covered Tears for Fears' 1985 song "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" for the soundtrack of the 2013 film The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.

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1987: Lorde Becomes Youngest Artist Since Tiffany to Top Charts

In 2013, with the success of "Royals," Lorde became the youngest artist since Tiffany in 1987 to earn a number-one single in the United States.

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2009: Signing with Universal Music Group

In 2009, Lorde signed with Universal Music Group (UMG), marking an early milestone in her music career.

2010: Formation of Ella & Louis Duet

In 2010, Lorde and Louis McDonald formed a duet called "Ella & Louis", performing covers live at local venues.

November 2011: First Performance of Original Songs

In November 2011, Lorde performed her original songs for the first time at the Victoria Theatre.

2011: Collaboration with Joel Little

In 2011, Lorde began collaborating with producer Joel Little, a partnership that would significantly shape her early sound and lead to the creation of her debut EP.

2011: Vocal Lessons and Producer Partnerships

In 2011, UMG hired vocal coach Frances Dickinson to give Lorde singing lessons. During this time, Scott Maclachlan attempted to pair Lorde with various producers and songwriters.

November 2012: Self-Release of The Love Club EP on SoundCloud

In November 2012, Lorde self-released The Love Club EP on her SoundCloud account for free download, marking an important step in gaining initial recognition.

March 2013: Commercial Release of The Love Club

In March 2013, Universal Music Group (UMG) commercially released The Love Club after it had been downloaded 60,000 times, signaling growing interest and audience attraction.

September 2013: Release of Pure Heroine

In September 2013, Lorde's debut studio album Pure Heroine, which included the single "Royals", was released to critical acclaim, marking a significant moment in her career.

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November 2013: Signing Publishing Deal with Songs Music Publishing

In November 2013, Lorde signed a publishing deal with Songs Music Publishing, valued at a reported US$2.5 million, granting the publisher rights to license her music for films and advertising.

2013: Commercial Release of The Love Club EP and Success of Royals

In 2013, The Love Club EP was commercially released after gaining traction on SoundCloud. The EP's single, "Royals", achieved significant success, topping charts and selling millions of units worldwide. Also, Lorde's debut album "Pure Heroine" was released.

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February 2014: Pure Heroine Sales Milestone

In February 2014, Pure Heroine sold over one million copies in the United States, becoming the first debut album by a female artist since Adele's 2008 album 19 to achieve this milestone.

April 2014: Performance with Nirvana at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In April 2014, Lorde joined the surviving members of Nirvana to perform "All Apologies" during the band's induction ceremony at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

2014: Decision Not to Return to School

In 2014, Lorde chose not to return to Takapuna Grammar School for Year 13, focusing on her music career.

2014: Curating The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 Soundtrack

In 2014, Lorde curated the soundtrack for the film The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1, taking on a significant role in shaping the musical landscape of the film.

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2015: Release of Magnets with Disclosure

In 2015, Lorde was featured on British electronic duo Disclosure's song "Magnets" off their album Caracal.

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March 2017: Release of Green Light

In March 2017, Lorde released "Green Light," the lead single from her second studio album Melodrama. The song was critically acclaimed.

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May 2017: Pure Heroine Sales Update

As of May 2017, Lorde's album Pure Heroine had sold four million copies worldwide.

June 2017: Album sales

As of June 2017, Lorde had sold over five million albums worldwide and 15 million certified single units in the United States, marking a significant milestone in her music career.

June 2017: Release of Melodrama

In June 2017, Lorde released her album Melodrama to widespread critical acclaim. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200.

December 2017: Lorde cancels Israel concert

In December 2017, Lorde cancelled her scheduled June 2018 concert in Israel after an online campaign supporting the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign. Lorde admitted she was unaware of the political turmoil there and felt cancelling was the right decision. This decision was welcomed by pro-Palestine groups but criticized by pro-Israel groups. This cancellation was a controversy.

2017: Release of Melodrama

In 2017, Lorde released her album Melodrama, collaborating with producer Jack Antonoff. The album garnered widespread critical acclaim and debuted atop the US Billboard 200.

May 2020: Begins working on third album

In May 2020, Lorde revealed she started working on her third studio album with Jack Antonoff following the death of her dog Pearl, beginning the creation of new music.

November 2020: Releases 'Going South' book

In November 2020, Lorde announced the release of 'Going South', a book documenting her January 2019 visit to Antarctica, featuring photos by Harriet Were.

May 2021: Announced as headlining act for Primavera Sound festival

On May 25, 2021, Lorde was announced as a headlining act for Primavera Sound's June 2022 festival. This marked her first live show performance in over two years, signaling her return to the stage.

September 2021: Lorde Releases 'Te Ao Mārama'

On September 9, 2021, Lorde released 'Te Ao Mārama' as a companion piece to Solar Power. The EP is sung entirely in Te Reo Māori and translated by Hana Mereraiha, with proceeds going to New Zealand-based charities.

August 2023: Lorde Debuts New Songs at Boardmasters Festival

In August 2023, Lorde debuted the songs "Silver Moon" and "Invisible Ink" during her concert at the Boardmasters Festival in Cornwall, England, offering a sneak peek into her new musical direction.

September 2024: Lorde signs with Universal Music Publishing

In September 2024, Jennifer Knoepfle from Universal Music Publishing confirmed that Lorde had signed with UMPG earlier that year, with the remix of "Girl, So Confusing" being her first release as a UMPG songwriter, marking a new chapter in her music career.

April 2025: Lorde teases new music with 'WWT' snippet

In April 2025, Lorde cleared her Instagram feed and shared a music snippet on TikTok, later revealed as 'WWT' (short for 'What Was That'), her first original solo single since Solar Power, signaling a new era in her music.

April 2025: Coachella performance with Charli XCX

In April 2025, Lorde collaborated with Charli XCX, performing the track "Girl, So Confusing" at the Coachella music festival, showcasing their collaboration on a large stage.

June 2025: Release of 'Virgin' album and Glastonbury performance

In June 2025, Lorde's fourth studio album, 'Virgin,' was released, debuting at number one on charts in multiple countries. On the same day, she performed the entire album during an unannounced set at the Glastonbury Festival, celebrating its release with fans.