Early Life and Education of Lorde: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Lorde. From birth to education, explore key events.

Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor, known as Lorde, is a New Zealand singer-songwriter recognized for her unique pop music style and introspective lyrics. She gained international recognition early in her career, establishing herself as a prominent figure in contemporary music. Lorde's work often explores themes of youth, fame, and societal critique, resonating with a wide audience and solidifying her impact on popular culture.

Sections (4)

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

November 1996: Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor's birth

On 7 November 1996, Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor, known professionally as Lorde, was born in Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand, to Sonja Yelich and Vic O'Connor.

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2002: Influence of the novel Feed

In 2002, Lorde was influenced by the young adult dystopian novel Feed by M. T. Anderson.

Feed

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2006: Third place in North Shore Primary Schools' Speech competition

In 2006, while attending Vauxhall School, Lorde placed third in the North Shore Primary Schools' Speech competition, a national contest.

2007: First place in North Shore Primary Schools' Speech competition

In 2007, while attending Vauxhall School, Lorde placed first in the North Shore Primary Schools' Speech competition, a national contest.

May 2009: Winning the Belmont Intermediate School annual talent show

In May 2009, Lorde and her friend Louis McDonald won the Belmont Intermediate School annual talent show as a duo.

November 2009: Third place in North Shore Battle of the Bands finals

On 18 November 2009, Lorde's band Extreme placed third in the North Shore Battle of the Bands finals at the Bruce Mason Centre in Takapuna, Auckland.

2010: Attendance at Takapuna Grammar School

From 2010, Lorde attended Takapuna Grammar School while working on her music career.

2011: Vocal lessons and producer partnerships

In 2011, Universal Music Group (UMG) hired Frances Dickinson to give Lorde singing lessons, and Scott Maclachlan attempted to partner her with producers and songwriters.

2013: Completion of Year 12 at Takapuna Grammar School

In 2013, Lorde completed Year 12 at Takapuna Grammar School.

2014: Decision not to return to school

In 2014, Lorde chose not to return to Takapuna Grammar School to attend Year 13.

2014: Engagement announcement of Lorde's parents

In 2014, Lorde's parents announced their engagement after a 30-year relationship.

January 2016: Relocation to Ponsonby

In January 2016, Lorde relocated to Ponsonby, an inner-city suburb of Auckland.

2016: Relationship with James Lowe

From late 2013 to early 2016, Lorde was in a relationship with New Zealand photographer James Lowe.

2017: Marriage of Lorde's parents

In 2017, Lorde's parents married in a private ceremony on Cheltenham Beach.

November 2018: Became a patron of MusicHelps

In November 2018, Lorde became a patron of MusicHelps, formerly the New Zealand Music Foundation.

January 2019: Visit to Antarctica

In January 2019, Lorde visited Antarctica, which was later documented in her book "Going South".

May 2020: Started working on her third studio album

In May 2020, Lorde revealed she started working on her third studio album with Antonoff following the death of her dog.

2025: Interview at Met Gala and statement on her identity

In 2025, at the Met Gala Lorde told Emma Chamberlain that she felt "like a man and a woman", and later revealed to Rolling Stone that she identifies as "in the middle, gender-wise."