Lorde's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

Lorde, born Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor, is a highly acclaimed New Zealand singer-songwriter. She rose to international fame with her debut album "Pure Heroine" in 2013, known for its minimalist production and introspective lyrics that resonated with a young audience. Lorde's music often explores themes of adolescence, fame, and societal critique. Her subsequent albums, such as "Melodrama" and "Solar Power," further showcase her artistic evolution and songwriting abilities, cementing her position as a significant figure in contemporary pop music. She is celebrated for her unique sound and thoughtful approach to pop.

Sections (4)

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

1987: Youngest Artist to Top Billboard Since Tiffany

In 2013, with "Royals" hitting number one on the Billboard Hot 100, Lorde 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: Talent Show Win

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 Battle of the Bands

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

September 2013: Release of Pure Heroine

In September 2013, Lorde's debut album Pure Heroine, containing the single "Royals", was released to critical acclaim.

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2013: New Zealand Music Awards and APRA Silver Scroll Award

After her breakthrough, Lorde won four New Zealand Music Awards at the 2013 ceremony. The single "Royals" earned the APRA Silver Scroll Award.

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2013: Recognition as New Queen of Alternative

In 2013, Billboard named Lorde the "New Queen of Alternative" in a cover story, recognizing her impact on rock and alternative radio.

2013: Included in Time's List of Most Influential Teenagers

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

2013: Commercial Release of The Love Club EP and Royals Success

In 2013, The Love Club EP was commercially released after gaining traction on SoundCloud. Its single "Royals" topped charts globally and sold 10 million units. Lorde's debut album Pure Heroine was also released that year.

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February 2014: Pure Heroine Reaches One Million Copies Sold in the US

In February 2014, Pure Heroine sold over one million copies in the United States, making Lorde the first female artist since Adele in 2008 to achieve this with a debut album.

2014: Recognition by Time and Forbes

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

2015: Billboard's 21 Under 21 List

In 2015, Billboard featured Lorde on their 21 Under 21 list, marking her third consecutive appearance since 2013.

2015: Golden Globe Nomination

In 2015, Lorde earned 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 Sales Update

As of May 2017, Pure Heroine had sold four million copies worldwide.

June 2017: Album Sales and Certified Single Units

As of June 2017, Lorde had sold over five million albums worldwide and 37 million certified single units in the United States.

June 2017: Melodrama Album Release and Critical Acclaim

In June 2017, Lorde released her album Melodrama, which received widespread critical acclaim and debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200. The album had introspective, post-breakup lyrics.

2017: Melodrama Album Release

In 2017, Lorde collaborated with Jack Antonoff on her album Melodrama, which received widespread critical acclaim and debuted atop the Billboard 200.

2018: Placement on NPR's Influential Female Musicians Poll

In 2018, Lorde placed at number 12 on NPR's readers poll of the most influential female musicians of the 21st century.

September 2021: Release of Te Ao Mārama

On 9 September 2021, Lorde released "Te Ao Mārama" as a companion piece to "Solar Power". The EP is sung entirely in Te Reo Māori, with translations by Hana Mereraiha, Sir Tīmoti Kāretu, and Hēmi Kelly, and led by Dame Hinewehi Mohi. All proceeds are going towards two New Zealand-based charities: Forest & Bird and Te Hua Kawariki.

September 2024: Collaboration with Charli XCX and Signing with UMPG

In September 2024, Lorde collaborated with Charli XCX on a remix of "Girl, So Confusing", performing the track at Charli XCX's Madison Square Garden concert. Jennifer Knoepfle confirmed Lorde had signed with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) earlier that year, with the remix being her first release as a UMPG songwriter.

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June 2025: Release of 'Virgin' and Glastonbury Performance

In June 2025, Lorde's fourth studio album, "Virgin", was released. She performed the album in its entirety during an unannounced set at the Glastonbury Festival on the same day. The album debuted at number one on official charts in multiple countries and Lorde became the first New Zealand artist to have six tracks simultaneously chart on the Aotearoa Music Charts.

2025: Billboard Ranking on Top Women Artists List

In 2025, Billboard ranked Lorde number 44 on its list of the "Top 100 Women Artists of the 21st Century".

2025: Virgin Album Release

In 2025, Lorde worked with Jim-E Stack on her fourth studio album Virgin, returning to electronic-based pop music, which garnered more positive reception.