History of Lorde in Timeline
Lorde, born Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor, is a New Zealand singer-songwriter celebrated for her unique brand of pop music and introspective songwriting. She gained international recognition at a young age, distinguishing herself with thoughtful lyrics and a distinct musical style. She has earned critical acclaim and a devoted following for her artistic vision and contributions to contemporary music.
1971: Tribute performance of Life on Mars
In February 2016, Lorde and David Bowie's final touring band gave a tribute performance of his 1971 song "Life on Mars" at the Brit Awards. The performance was widely acknowledged as one of the finest tributes to Bowie.
1985: Covering "Everybody Wants to Rule the World"
In November 2013, Lorde covered Tears for Fears' 1985 song "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" for the soundtrack of the 2013 film The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.
1987: Lorde Becomes Youngest Artist Since Tiffany to Top Charts
In 2013, with the success of "Royals," Lorde became the youngest artist since Tiffany in 1987 to earn a number-one single in the United States.
November 1996: Birth of Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor
In 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.
November 1996: Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor's Birth
In November 1996, Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor, who would later become known as Lorde, was born. She is a New Zealand singer-songwriter known for her unique pop music style and introspective lyrics.
2002: Influence of dystopian novel Feed
In 2002, the young adult dystopian novel Feed by M. T. Anderson was released. Lorde cites this novel as an influence on her songwriting.
2006: Third Place in Speech Competition
In 2006, while attending Vauxhall School, Lorde placed third in the North Shore Primary Schools' Speech competition, showcasing her early talent in public speaking.
2007: First Place in Speech Competition
In 2007, while attending Vauxhall School, Lorde placed first in the North Shore Primary Schools' Speech competition, further demonstrating her public speaking abilities.
2008: Release of Adele's 19
In February 2014, Lorde's album Pure Heroine reached one million sales in the USA. This was the first debut album by a female artist to achieve this since Adele's 2008 album 19
May 2009: Winning Belmont Intermediate School 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 at 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.
2009: Signing with Universal Music Group
In 2009, Lorde signed with Universal Music Group (UMG), marking an early milestone in her 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.
2010: Attendance at Takapuna Grammar School
In 2010, Lorde attended Takapuna Grammar School.
November 2011: First Performance of Original Songs
In November 2011, Lorde performed her original songs for the first time at the Victoria Theatre.
2011: Collaboration with Joel Little
In 2011, Lorde began collaborating with producer Joel Little, a partnership that would significantly shape her early sound and lead to the creation of her debut EP.
2011: Vocal Lessons and Producer Partnerships
In 2011, UMG hired vocal coach Frances Dickinson to give Lorde singing lessons. During this time, Scott Maclachlan attempted to pair Lorde with various producers and songwriters.
November 2012: Self-Release of The Love Club EP on SoundCloud
In November 2012, Lorde self-released The Love Club EP on her SoundCloud account for free download, marking an important step in gaining initial recognition.
2012: Self-Release of The Love Club EP
In 2012, Lorde self-released her first extended play (EP), titled The Love Club EP, for free download on SoundCloud before its commercial release.
March 2013: Commercial Release of The Love Club
In March 2013, Universal Music Group (UMG) commercially released The Love Club after it had been downloaded 60,000 times, signaling growing interest and audience attraction.
September 2013: Release of Pure Heroine
In September 2013, Lorde's debut studio album Pure Heroine, which included the single "Royals", was released to critical acclaim, marking a significant moment in her career.
November 2013: Signing Publishing Deal with Songs Music Publishing
In November 2013, Lorde signed a publishing deal with Songs Music Publishing, valued at a reported US$2.5 million, granting the publisher rights to license her music for films and advertising.
2013: Completion of Year 12
In 2013, Lorde completed Year 12 at Takapuna Grammar School.
2013: Inclusion in Time's Most Influential Teenagers List
In 2013, Lorde was recognized as one of Time's most influential teenagers, marking her impact on popular culture at a young age.
2013: Commercial Release of The Love Club EP and Success of Royals
In 2013, The Love Club EP was commercially released after gaining traction on SoundCloud. The EP's single, "Royals", achieved significant success, topping charts and selling millions of units worldwide. Also, Lorde's debut album "Pure Heroine" was released.
February 2014: Pure Heroine Sales Milestone
In February 2014, Pure Heroine sold over one million copies in the United States, becoming the first debut album by a female artist since Adele's 2008 album 19 to achieve this milestone.
April 2014: Performance with Nirvana at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In April 2014, Lorde joined the surviving members of Nirvana to perform "All Apologies" during the band's induction ceremony at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
2014: Continued Recognition
In 2014, Lorde appeared in Time's list of the most influential teenagers again, and was included in Forbes 30 Under 30 list. These appearances highlight her continued influence and achievements.
2014: Decision Not to Return to School
In 2014, Lorde chose not to return to Takapuna Grammar School for Year 13, focusing on her music career.
2014: Curating The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 Soundtrack
In 2014, Lorde curated the soundtrack for the film The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1, taking on a significant role in shaping the musical landscape of the film.
2014: Time and Forbes Recognition
In 2014, Lorde was recognized as one of the most influential teenagers by Time and was placed on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list, solidifying her impact and influence.
2014: Parents' Engagement Announcement
In 2014, Lorde's parents, Sonja Yelich and Vic O'Connor, announced their engagement after a 30-year relationship.
2015: Billboard 21 Under 21 List
In 2015, Lorde was featured on Billboard's 21 Under 21 list, marking her third consecutive appearance on the list.
2015: Release of Magnets with Disclosure
In 2015, Lorde was featured on British electronic duo Disclosure's song "Magnets" off their album Caracal.
January 2016: Relocation to Ponsonby
In January 2016, Lorde relocated to Ponsonby, an inner-city suburb of Auckland.
2016: End of Relationship with James Lowe
From late 2013 to 2016, Lorde was in a relationship with New Zealand photographer James Lowe.
March 2017: Release of Green Light
In March 2017, Lorde released "Green Light," the lead single from her second studio album Melodrama. The song was critically acclaimed.
May 2017: Pure Heroine Sales Update
As of May 2017, Lorde's album Pure Heroine had sold four million copies worldwide.
June 2017: Album sales
As of June 2017, Lorde had sold over five million albums worldwide and 15 million certified single units in the United States, marking a significant milestone in her music career.
June 2017: Release of Melodrama
In June 2017, Lorde released her album Melodrama to widespread critical acclaim. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200.
December 2017: Lorde cancels Israel concert
In December 2017, Lorde cancelled her scheduled June 2018 concert in Israel after an online campaign supporting the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign. Lorde admitted she was unaware of the political turmoil there and felt cancelling was the right decision. This decision was welcomed by pro-Palestine groups but criticized by pro-Israel groups. This cancellation was a controversy.
2017: Release of Melodrama
In 2017, Lorde released her album Melodrama, collaborating with producer Jack Antonoff. The album garnered widespread critical acclaim and debuted atop the US Billboard 200.
2017: Parents' Private Wedding
In 2017, Lorde's parents married in a private ceremony on Cheltenham Beach.
May 2020: Begins working on third album
In May 2020, Lorde revealed she started working on her third studio album with Jack Antonoff following the death of her dog Pearl, beginning the creation of new music.
November 2020: Releases 'Going South' book
In November 2020, Lorde announced the release of 'Going South', a book documenting her January 2019 visit to Antarctica, featuring photos by Harriet Were.
May 2021: Announced as headlining act for Primavera Sound festival
On May 25, 2021, Lorde was announced as a headlining act for Primavera Sound's June 2022 festival. This marked her first live show performance in over two years, signaling her return to the stage.
September 2021: Lorde Releases 'Te Ao Mārama'
On September 9, 2021, Lorde released 'Te Ao Mārama' as a companion piece to Solar Power. The EP is sung entirely in Te Reo Māori and translated by Hana Mereraiha, with proceeds going to New Zealand-based charities.
2021: Release of Solar Power
In 2021, Lorde explored indie folk and psychedelic styles with the release of Solar Power, which received mixed reactions from critics and listeners.
August 2023: Lorde Debuts New Songs at Boardmasters Festival
In August 2023, Lorde debuted the songs "Silver Moon" and "Invisible Ink" during her concert at the Boardmasters Festival in Cornwall, England, offering a sneak peek into her new musical direction.
September 2024: Lorde signs with Universal Music Publishing
In September 2024, Jennifer Knoepfle from Universal Music Publishing confirmed that Lorde had signed with UMPG earlier that year, with the remix of "Girl, So Confusing" being her first release as a UMPG songwriter, marking a new chapter in her music career.
April 2025: Lorde teases new music with 'WWT' snippet
In April 2025, Lorde cleared her Instagram feed and shared a music snippet on TikTok, later revealed as 'WWT' (short for 'What Was That'), her first original solo single since Solar Power, signaling a new era in her music.
April 2025: Coachella performance with Charli XCX
In April 2025, Lorde collaborated with Charli XCX, performing the track "Girl, So Confusing" at the Coachella music festival, showcasing their collaboration on a large stage.
June 2025: Release of 'Virgin' album and Glastonbury performance
In June 2025, Lorde's fourth studio album, 'Virgin,' was released, debuting at number one on charts in multiple countries. On the same day, she performed the entire album during an unannounced set at the Glastonbury Festival, celebrating its release with fans.
2025: Lorde ranked in Billboard's 'Top 100 Women Artists of the 21st Century'
Billboard ranked Lorde at number 44 on its 2025 'Top 100 Women Artists of the 21st Century' list, solidifying her impact and influence in the music industry.
2025: Release of Virgin
In 2025, Lorde worked with musician Jim-E Stack on her fourth album, Virgin, returning to electronic-based pop music, which was received more positively.
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