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 New Zealand singer-songwriter recognized for her unique brand of pop music. She is notable for introspective and unconventional songwriting. She is a prominent figure 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 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, the young adult dystopian novel "Feed" by M. T. Anderson was published, later cited by Lorde as a lyrical influence, highlighting the impact of literature on her songwriting.

Feed

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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, a national contest.

2007: First Place in Speech Competition

In 2007, while attending Vauxhall School, Lorde secured first place in the North Shore Primary Schools' Speech competition, a national contest, showcasing her public speaking skills.

May 2009: Belmont Intermediate School Talent Show Win

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

November 2009: Third Place at North Shore Battle of the Bands

On November 18, 2009, Lorde, as part of the Belmont Intermediate School band Extreme, placed third in the North Shore Battle of the Bands finals held at the Bruce Mason Centre in Takapuna, Auckland.

2010: Attendance at Takapuna Grammar School

From 2010 to 2013, Lorde attended Takapuna Grammar School, balancing her education with her budding 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, including cafés in Auckland and the Victoria Theatre in Devonport.

2011: Vocal Lessons and Songwriting Development

In 2011, UMG hired vocal coach Frances Dickinson to provide Lorde with singing lessons twice a week for a year, and she began learning how to write songs through short fiction.

2013: Completion of Year 12 at Takapuna Grammar School

In 2013, Lorde completed Year 12 at Takapuna Grammar School, marking the end of her formal education as she focused on her music career.

2014: Decision Not to Return to School

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

2014: Parents' Engagement Announcement

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

January 2016: Relocation to Ponsonby

In January 2016, Lorde relocated to Ponsonby, an inner-city suburb of Auckland, marking a personal move within her home country.

2016: End of Relationship with James Lowe

From late 2013 to early 2016, Lorde was in a relationship with New Zealand photographer James Lowe, marking a significant personal relationship during her early career.

2017: Parents' Private 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, which was later documented in her book "Going South."

May 2020: Begins work on third studio album

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

2025: Lorde discusses gender identity

In 2025, Lorde discussed her gender identity in interviews at the Met Gala and with Rolling Stone, stating that she felt "like a man and a woman" and identifies as "in the middle, gender-wise."