Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor, professionally known as Lorde, is a New Zealand singer-songwriter renowned for her distinctive style of pop music and introspective lyrics. Her unique approach to pop music sets her apart, while her songwriting delves into personal and relatable themes.
1987: "Royals" Breaks Chart Record
The single "Royals" from "The Love Club" EP propelled Lorde to international fame, topping charts globally. The song's success made her the youngest artist to achieve a number-one single in the United States since Tiffany in 1987, at the age of 16.
November 1996: Birth and Family Background
Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor, known as Lorde, was born in November 1996 in Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand. Her mother, Sonja Yelich, is a poet of Croatian descent, while her father, Vic O'Connor, is a civil engineer of Irish heritage.
November 1996: Birth of Ella Yelich-O'Connor
Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor, later known as Lorde, was born in November 1996 in Takapuna, New Zealand.
2006: Early Success in Speech Competition
At the age of ten, Lorde demonstrated her public speaking skills by achieving third place in the North Shore Primary Schools' Speech competition, a national contest in New Zealand.
2007: First Place in Speech Competition
Building on her previous success, Lorde secured first place in the North Shore Primary Schools' Speech competition in 2007, showcasing her talent for articulation and captivating an audience.
2008: Comparison to Adele's Success
Lorde's success with "Pure Heroine" drew comparisons to Adele's debut album, "19", which was released in 2008. Both albums achieved significant commercial success and critical acclaim.
May 2009: Winning School Talent Show
Lorde, along with her friend Louis McDonald, won the annual talent show at Belmont Intermediate School, showcasing their musical abilities and stage presence.
November 2009: Performance at the North Shore Battle of the Bands
Lorde, as a member of the band Extreme from Belmont Intermediate School, performed at the North Shore Battle of the Bands finals in Takapuna, Auckland. The band secured third place in the competition.
2009: Lorde Signs with Universal Music Group
At the young age of 13, Lorde signed a development deal with Universal Music Group, marking the beginning of her professional music career.
2009: Success in Kids' Lit Quiz World Finals
Lorde, as part of her school team from Belmont Intermediate, achieved the position of runner-up in the 2009 Kids' Lit Quiz World Finals. This international competition tested the literary knowledge of students aged 10 to 14.
2010: Enrollment at Takapuna Grammar School
Lorde attended Takapuna Grammar School from 2010 to 2013, where she completed Year 12 of her education.
2010: Formation of "Ella & Louis" Duet
Lorde and Louis McDonald formed a musical duo called "Ella & Louis" in 2010. They performed cover songs at various venues in Auckland, including local cafes and the Victoria Theatre in Devonport.
November 2011: First Performance of Original Songs
Lorde marked a significant step in her musical journey by performing her original songs for the first time at the Victoria Theatre.
2011: Collaboration with Joel Little
Lorde began working with songwriter and producer Joel Little in 2011 to record music. This collaboration proved to be pivotal in shaping her early sound.
2011: Vocal Coaching and Songwriting Development
Lorde started taking singing lessons twice a week with vocal coach Frances Dickinson. During this time, she also began to focus on her songwriting, drawing inspiration from her reading of short fiction.
November 2012: SoundCloud Release of "The Love Club" EP
In November 2012, Lorde and Joel Little completed their first collaborative EP, "The Love Club". Initially, the EP was self-released by Lorde on her SoundCloud account for free download, quickly gaining significant attention online.
2012: The Love Club EP Release
Lorde independently released her debut EP, "The Love Club", on SoundCloud in 2012. The EP gained significant traction online, amassing thousands of downloads before its official commercial release.
March 2013: Commercial Release of "The Love Club" EP
Following its online success, Universal Music Group officially released "The Love Club" EP commercially in March 2013.
September 2013: Critical Acclaim for "Pure Heroine"
Lorde's debut studio album, "Pure Heroine," was released in September 2013 to widespread critical praise, cementing her place as a rising star in the music industry.
November 2013: Lorde Signs Publishing Deal and Appears on The Hunger Games Soundtrack
In November 2013, Lorde secured a significant publishing deal with Songs Music Publishing, valued at $2.5 million. The deal stemmed from a competitive bidding process involving major players like Sony Music Entertainment and her label, UMG. This agreement granted the publisher rights to license her music for various applications, including film and advertising. Additionally, that same month, Lorde's talent was showcased on the soundtrack of the popular film "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire." She delivered a captivating cover of Tears for Fears' iconic 1985 hit, "Everybody Wants to Rule the World."
2013: Lorde Wins Four New Zealand Music Awards
Lorde's talent was formally recognized in her home country when she won four New Zealand Music Awards in 2013. These awards marked a significant achievement early in her career and solidified her status as a rising star.
2013: Recognition as an Influential Teenager
Lorde's impact extended beyond music, as she was recognized as one of the most influential teenagers by Time magazine in 2013.
2013: Breakthrough with "Royals" and "Pure Heroine"
Lorde's single "Royals" from "The Love Club" EP achieved international success, topping charts globally. The same year, she released her debut studio album, "Pure Heroine", which received critical acclaim and commercial success, solidifying her status as a rising star.
2013: Completion of Year 12 at Takapuna Grammar School
Lorde finished Year 12 at Takapuna Grammar School.
2013: Lorde Supports Philippines Typhoon Relief
In 2013, Lorde's song "The Love Club" was included in the charity album "Songs for the Philippines," which aimed to raise funds for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan, demonstrating her compassion and support for those affected by the disaster.
2013: Billboard Recognizes Lorde as "New Queen of Alternative"
In 2013, Billboard magazine recognized Lorde as a leading figure in a "female rock resurgence" and featured her on the cover with the title "New Queen of Alternative." This acknowledges her impact on rock and alternative radio, genres traditionally dominated by male artists.
February 2014: "Pure Heroine" Sales Milestone in the US
By February 2014, "Pure Heroine" had sold over one million copies in the United States. This accomplishment made Lorde the first female artist since Adele's 2008 album "19" to achieve such a feat with a debut album.
April 2014: Lorde Performs with Nirvana at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
In a memorable collaboration, Lorde joined the remaining members of Nirvana - Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl - to perform their iconic song "All Apologies" at the band's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in April 2014. The surviving band members specifically chose Lorde for this significant performance, citing her lyrical depth and unique musical style, which they believed resonated with Nirvana's artistic sensibilities.
December 2014: Lorde Parodied on South Park
In December 2014, Lorde's unique performance style, particularly her unchoreographed dancing, was parodied on the animated TV show South Park in the episode "Rehash." While some found her dancing awkward, others saw it as a refreshing departure from typical pop performances.
2014: Lorde Featured on Influential Lists by Time and Forbes
Lorde's rising influence in the music industry and beyond was solidified in 2014 when she was featured on Time Magazine's prestigious list of the most influential teenagers globally. Notably, she was the youngest individual to grace Forbes' esteemed "30 Under 30" list that year, a testament to her exceptional achievements at a young age.
2014: Continued Influence and Forbes 30 Under 30
Lorde continued to be recognized for her influence, appearing on Time magazine's list of the most influential teenagers for the second consecutive year in 2014. Additionally, she was featured in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, highlighting her success and impact on the music industry.
2014: Decision Not to Return for Year 13
Lorde made the decision to not return to Takapuna Grammar School for Year 13, opting to focus on her burgeoning music career.
2014: Curating The Hunger Games Soundtrack
Lorde curated and contributed original music to the soundtrack of "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1", further expanding her creative endeavors and reaching a wider audience.
2014: Parents' Engagement
After a 30-year relationship, Lorde's parents, Sonja Yelich and Vic O'Connor, announced their engagement in 2014.
2015: Lorde Joins Forces with Kiwis Cure Batten
In 2015, Lorde participated in the supergroup Kiwis Cure Batten, contributing to the charity single "Team Ball Player Thing." The song's proceeds were donated to research for Batten disease, a devastating neurodegenerative disorder.
2015: Lorde's Continued Recognition on Billboard's "21 Under 21" List
Lorde's impact on the music scene continued to be acknowledged in 2015 as she earned a spot on Billboard's notable "21 Under 21" list for the third consecutive year. This recognition underscored her sustained influence and success within the music industry.
2015: Lorde Earns Golden Globe Nomination for "Yellow Flicker Beat"
Lorde's songwriting abilities were recognized on an international level when she received a Golden Globe nomination in 2015 for Best Original Song for "Yellow Flicker Beat." The nomination highlighted her talent for crafting emotionally resonant and impactful music.
January 2016: Lorde Relocates to Herne Bay
In January 2016, Lorde made a significant personal move by relocating to Herne Bay, a well-known affluent suburb in Auckland. This relocation marked a change in her living environment as she continued to navigate her musical career.
2016: End of Relationship with James Lowe
Lorde's relationship with New Zealand photographer James Lowe ended. They had been dating from late 2013.
March 2017: Lorde Releases "Green Light," The Lead Single from Her Second Album, *Melodrama*
March 2017 marked the release of "Green Light," the lead single from Lorde's highly anticipated second studio album, *Melodrama*. The song was met with widespread critical acclaim, with many publications hailing it as one of the year's best musical offerings. Notably, both NME and The Guardian placed "Green Light" at the top of their respective year-end lists. The single also enjoyed commercial success, reaching the number one spot in New Zealand, number four in Australia, and securing a respectable number nine position on the Canadian music charts.
May 2017: Global Sales of "Pure Heroine"
As of May 2017, "Pure Heroine" had sold over four million copies worldwide, solidifying its place as a commercially successful and critically acclaimed debut.
June 2017: Lorde Releases Her Second Album, *Melodrama*, to Critical Acclaim
June 2017 saw the highly anticipated release of Lorde's second studio album, *Melodrama*. The album was met with widespread critical acclaim, showcasing a noticeable maturation in Lorde's songwriting. Critics and fans alike praised the album's introspective themes and its exploration of post-breakup emotions. *Melodrama* was a commercial success, debuting at the top spot on the US Billboard 200 chart, making it Lorde's first number-one album in the United States. The album also reached number one in other major music markets, including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Furthermore, *Melodrama* earned Lorde a coveted Grammy nomination for Album of the Year at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards, solidifying her status as a major force in the music industry.
June 2017: Lorde's Global Music Success
By June 2017, Lorde had achieved significant global commercial success, selling over five million albums worldwide. This milestone underscores her widespread popularity and the impact of her music.
June 2017: Five Million Albums Sold Milestone
By June 2017, Lorde had achieved a significant career milestone by selling over five million albums worldwide, solidifying her position as a global music icon.
December 2017: Lorde Cancels Israel Concert Amidst Political Controversy
In December 2017, Lorde found herself at the center of a political controversy when she made the decision to cancel her scheduled concert in Israel, which was set for June 2018. This cancellation came after an online campaign by pro-Palestinian activists who were advocating for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. While Lorde refrained from explicitly stating her reasons for the cancellation, she acknowledged that she had not been fully aware of the complex political landscape in the region. She expressed that she believed "the right decision at this time is to cancel," sparking mixed reactions from both pro-Palestine and pro-Israel groups.
2017: Parents' Marriage
Lorde's parents, Sonja Yelich and Vic O'Connor, got married in 2017 in a private ceremony held at Cheltenham Beach.
2017: Release of "Melodrama"
Lorde's highly anticipated second album, "Melodrama", was released in 2017 to widespread critical acclaim. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, showcasing her artistic growth and maturity.
2017: Lorde Discusses Her Evolving Sound
In a 2017 interview with NME, Lorde discussed her approach to music, stating that she doesn't feel confined by genre and doesn't limit herself to a specific style.
March 2018: Lorde Kicks Off North American Leg of *Melodrama* Tour
In March 2018, Lorde launched the highly anticipated North American leg of her concert tour in support of her acclaimed album, *Melodrama*. The tour featured a diverse lineup of opening acts, including Run the Jewels, Mitski, and Tove Styrke, further solidifying Lorde's commitment to showcasing a range of musical talent.
June 2018: Lorde's Cancelled Israel Concert Sparks Continued Debate
The cancellation of Lorde's concert in Israel, initially announced in December 2017, continued to generate debate and discussion in June 2018, the month the performance was originally scheduled. The controversy surrounding the cancellation highlighted the complexities of international politics and their intersection with the arts and entertainment industry.
November 2018: Lorde Becomes Patron of MusicHelps
In November 2018, Lorde showed her dedication to supporting musicians in need by becoming a patron of MusicHelps, a New Zealand charity dedicated to helping vulnerable individuals in the music community facing health challenges.
2018: Lorde's Influence on 21st-Century Music
In 2018, Lorde's impact on music was highlighted when she was voted number 12 on NPR's readers' poll of the most influential female musicians of the 21st century. This recognition solidified her place as a trendsetter in the music industry.
May 2020: Lorde Begins Work on Third Album
In May 2020, Lorde shared with her fans that she had commenced working on her highly anticipated third studio album. She revealed that she was collaborating with Jack Antonoff on this project, marking a continuation of their successful creative partnership. Lorde shared that the creative process for her third album was sparked, in part, by the passing of her beloved dog, Pearl, suggesting that the album's themes might explore themes of loss, grief, and healing.
May 2021: Lorde Announces Headlining Performance at Primavera Sound Festival
In May 2021, Lorde's fans received exciting news as she was revealed as a headlining act for the renowned Primavera Sound Festival, scheduled for June 2022. This announcement marked Lorde's highly anticipated return to the stage for her first live show performance in over two years, generating considerable excitement among her fanbase.
2021: Exploration of New Sounds in "Solar Power"
In 2021, Lorde released her third studio album, "Solar Power," which saw her experimenting with indie folk and psychedelic influences. The album marked a departure from her previous work, demonstrating her willingness to evolve artistically.
June 2022: Lorde Returns to the Stage at Primavera Sound Festival
After much anticipation, Lorde made her grand return to the stage in June 2022, headlining the Primavera Sound Festival. This performance marked a significant moment in her career, coming after a two-year hiatus from live shows.
August 2023: Lorde Debuts "Silver Moon" and "Invisible Ink" at Boardmasters Festival
Lorde surprised fans with the debut of two previously unheard tracks, "Silver Moon" and "Invisible Ink," during her performance at the Boardmasters Festival in Cornwall, England, in August 2023. This marked the first time these songs were performed live, offering a glimpse into her potential future musical direction.