Lorde's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Lorde. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

1987: Youngest artist to earn number-one single since Tiffany

In 2013, with "Royals" reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100, Lorde, aged 16, became the youngest artist to earn a number-one single in the United States since Tiffany in 1987.

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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.

2013: "New Queen of Alternative"

In 2013, Billboard named Lorde the "New Queen of Alternative" in a cover story. After her breakthrough, Lorde won four New Zealand Music Awards at the 2013 ceremony.

2013: Named one of Time's most influential teenagers

In 2013, Lorde was named in Time's list of the most influential teenagers.

2013: Commercial release of The Love Club EP and success of "Royals"

In 2013, The Love Club EP was commercially released. The EP's single, "Royals", topped charts in multiple regions and spent nine weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

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2013: Featured on The Hunger Games: Catching Fire soundtrack and recognition by Time and Billboard

In November 2013, Lorde was featured on the soundtrack for the film The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, performing a cover of "Everybody Wants to Rule the World". Time and Billboard also recognized her as an influential teenager.

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February 2014: Pure Heroine sold over one million copies in the United States

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 the feat.

2014: Recognized by Time and Forbes

In 2014, Lorde appeared in Time's list of the most influential teenagers and Forbes 30 Under 30.

2015: Billboard's 21 Under 21

In 2015, Billboard featured Lorde on their 21 Under 21 list.

2015: Golden Globe Nomination and Single of the Year Award

In 2015, Lorde received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song for "Yellow Flicker Beat" and won Single of the Year at the New Zealand Music Awards.

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May 2017: Pure Heroine Sold 4 Million Copies Worldwide

As of May 2017, Lorde's album Pure Heroine had sold four million copies worldwide.

June 2017: Release of Melodrama

In June 2017, Lorde's second studio album, Melodrama, was released to widespread critical acclaim and debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200.

2017: Release of Melodrama

In 2017, Lorde collaborated with producer Jack Antonoff for her second studio album Melodrama, which received widespread critical acclaim and debuted atop the US Billboard 200.