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, whose real name is Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor, is a highly acclaimed New Zealand singer and songwriter. Celebrated for her distinctive and alternative pop music style, she stands out for her introspective and often unconventional songwriting. Her unique artistic approach has earned her the moniker "Queen of Alternative,"

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

November 1996: Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor was born

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

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2002: Lyrical Influence - Feed Novel

In 2002, Lorde cites the young adult dystopian novel Feed by M. T. Anderson as an influence to her song writing. Her mother encouraged her to read a range of genres, which Lorde cited as a lyrical influence.

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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.

May 2009: Won 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 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, Takapuna, Auckland.

2010: Attended Takapuna Grammar School

From 2010, Lorde attended Takapuna Grammar School.

2011: Vocal Lessons and Producer Search

In 2011, Lorde received singing lessons, and UMG attempted to partner her with producers and songwriters.

2013: Inclusion in 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: Completes Year 12 at Takapuna Grammar School

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

December 2014: South Park Parody

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

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2014: Chose not to return to school

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

2014: Engagement announcement

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

2015: 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: Relocated to Ponsonby, Auckland

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

December 2017: Cancellation of Israel Concert

In December 2017, Lorde cancelled her scheduled June 2018 concert in Israel following an online campaign by Palestinian solidarity activists supporting the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign. She admitted she was unaware of the political turmoil and felt cancelling was the right decision at this time. Billboard also included Lorde on their 2017 edition of 21 Under 21, while Forbes included her in their 30 Under 30 Asia list.

2017: Parents' wedding ceremony

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, and the visit was later documented in her book 'Going South'.

May 2020: Started working on third studio album

On 20 May 2020, Lorde revealed she started working on her third studio album with Jack Antonoff following the death of her dog Pearl.

2025: Gender identity speculations and statements

During the buildup to, and during the rollout of Lorde's fourth album Virgin in 2025, 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 Chappell Roan had asked if she was non-binary. In the same interview, she self-described as a "cis, white woman" in context of discussing her privilege on the topic of trans rights.