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.

Lorde, born Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor, is a highly acclaimed New Zealand singer-songwriter. She rose to international fame with her debut album "Pure Heroine" in 2013, known for its minimalist production and introspective lyrics that resonated with a young audience. Lorde's music often explores themes of adolescence, fame, and societal critique. Her subsequent albums, such as "Melodrama" and "Solar Power," further showcase her artistic evolution and songwriting abilities, cementing her position as a significant figure in contemporary pop music. She is celebrated for her unique sound and thoughtful approach to pop.

Sections (4)

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

November 1996: Ella Yelich-O'Connor's Birth

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

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2002: Influence of Dystopian Novel

In 2002, the young adult dystopian novel Feed by M. T. Anderson influenced Lorde's 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, a national contest.

2010: Attendance at Takapuna Grammar School

From 2010, Lorde attended Takapuna Grammar School.

2011: Vocal Lessons and Producer Partnerships

In 2011, Lorde received vocal lessons from Frances Dickinson, and UMG attempted to partner her with producers and songwriters.

2013: Inclusion on Songs for the Philippines

In 2013, "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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2013: Completion of Year 12

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, focusing on her music career.

2014: Parents' Engagement Announcement

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

2015: Recording Charity Single with Kiwis Cure Batten

In 2015, Lorde recorded "Team Ball Player Thing", a charity single, as part of the supergroup Kiwis Cure Batten. All sales from the song went towards research for the cure of Batten disease.

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January 2016: Relocation to Ponsonby

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

2017: Parents' Private Wedding

In 2017, Lorde's parents 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.

January 2019: Visit to Antarctica

In January 2019, Lorde visited Antarctica, which was later documented in her book "Going South", released in November 2020.

May 2020: Started Working on Third Album

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

2025: Identity Revelation

During the buildup to and rollout of Lorde's fourth album, Virgin, her gender identity was speculated on, following a shifting in her dress sense, as well as posts on social media. Lorde later told Emma Chamberlain in an interview at the 2025 Met Gala that she felt "like a man and a woman", and later revealed to Rolling Stone that she identifies as "in the middle, gender-wise." In the same interview, she described herself as a "wealthy, cis, white woman" while discussing trans rights and the privilege her identity confers.