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, professionally known as Lorde, is a New Zealand singer-songwriter. She gained international recognition in her teens with her debut single "Royals" and album *Pure Heroine*. Lorde is celebrated for her unique approach to pop music, characterized by introspective lyrics, minimalist production, and alternative soundscapes. Her subsequent albums, *Melodrama* and *Solar Power*, further explored themes of youth, fame, heartbreak, and environmentalism, solidifying her reputation as an influential and innovative artist in contemporary music.

Sections (4)

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

November 1996: Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor Born

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

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2002: Influence of Feed by M. T. Anderson

In 2002, Lorde cited the young adult dystopian novel Feed by M. T. Anderson as an influence on her songwriting.

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2006: Third Place in Speech Competition

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

2007: First Place in Speech Competition

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

2009: Runner-up in Kids' Lit Quiz World Finals

In 2009, Lorde and her Belmont team were named the runner-up in the Kids' Lit Quiz World Finals.

2010: Attendance at Takapuna Grammar School

From 2010, Lorde attended Takapuna Grammar School.

2011: Singing Lessons and Songwriting

In 2011, UMG hired a vocal coach for Lorde. During this period, she also began writing her own songs.

2013: Completion of Year 12

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

2013: Inclusion on charity album

In 2013, Lorde's "The Love Club" was included in the charity album Songs for the Philippines to support the people in the Philippines who suffered from Typhoon Haiyan.

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December 2014: South Park Parody

In December 2014, Lorde was parodied in the South Park episode "Rehash".

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2014: Did Not Return to School

In 2014, Lorde chose not to return to Takapuna Grammar School to attend Year 13, choosing to focus on her music career.

2014: Parents' Engagement

In 2014, Lorde's parents, Sonja Yelich and Vic O'Connor, announced their engagement after a 30-year relationship.

2015: Charity single

In 2015, Lorde recorded "Team Ball Player Thing", a charity single, as part of the supergroup Kiwis Cure Batten to support research for the cure of Batten disease.

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January 2016: Relocation to Ponsonby

In January 2016, Lorde relocated to Ponsonby, Auckland.

2016: End of Relationship with James Lowe

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

2017: Parents' Wedding

In 2017, Lorde's parents, Sonja Yelich and Vic O'Connor, married in a private ceremony on Cheltenham Beach.

November 2018: Patron of MusicHelps

In November 2018, Lorde became a patron of MusicHelps, formerly the New Zealand Music Foundation, a musical charity helping New Zealanders who are vulnerable to or experiencing serious health issues.