Lorde's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor, known as Lorde, is a New Zealand singer-songwriter recognized for her unique pop music style and introspective lyrics. She gained international recognition early in her career, establishing herself as a prominent figure in contemporary music. Lorde's work often explores themes of youth, fame, and societal critique, resonating with a wide audience and solidifying her impact on popular culture.

Sections (4)

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

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

In 2013, Lorde, then aged 16, became the youngest artist to earn a number-one single in the United States since Tiffany in 1987.

2006: Third place in North Shore Primary Schools' 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 North Shore Primary Schools' Speech competition

In 2007, while attending Vauxhall School, Lorde placed first in the North Shore Primary Schools' Speech competition, a national contest.

2008: First debut album by a female artist since Adele's 19

In February 2014, Lorde's album Pure Heroine became the first debut album by a female artist since Adele's 2008 album 19 to sell over one million copies in the United States.

May 2009: Winning the 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 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.

September 2013: Release of Pure Heroine

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

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2013: Billboard names Lorde as "New Queen of Alternative"

In 2013, Billboard recognized Lorde as a spokesperson for a "female rock resurgence" and named her the "New Queen of Alternative".

2013: Listed as one of Time's most influential teenagers

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

2013: Release of Pure Heroine

In 2013, Lorde released her debut studio album, Pure Heroine, to critical and commercial success.

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. Her single "Royals" from the EP topped charts in multiple regions, spent nine weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, and sold 10 million units worldwide.

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2013: Won four New Zealand Music Awards

Lorde won four New Zealand Music Awards at the 2013 ceremony.

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

In February 2014, Pure Heroine sold over one million copies in the United States.

2014: Included in Time's list of most influential teenagers and Forbes 30 Under 30

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

2015: Billboard's 21 Under 21 list

Billboard featured her on their 21 Under 21 list in 2013, 2014, and 2015.

2015: Golden Globe nomination for "Yellow Flicker Beat"

In 2015, Lorde received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song as a songwriter for "Yellow Flicker Beat".

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2015: Golden Globe nomination and New Zealand Music Award win

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

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May 2017: Four million copies sold worldwide

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

June 2017: Release of Melodrama

Melodrama, produced mainly by Lorde and Jack Antonoff, was released on 16 June 2017. The album debuted atop the US Billboard 200 chart.

2017: Release of Melodrama

In 2017, Lorde released her album Melodrama in collaboration with Jack Antonoff, which debuted atop the US Billboard 200.

2018: Placement on NPR's Readers Poll

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

April 2025: Release of "What Was That"

On 24 April 2025, Lorde released "What Was That", the lead single from her fourth studio album, Virgin. It achieved her first top-10 single in Australia and first top-40 single on the US Billboard Hot 100 since 2017.

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2025: Ranked on Billboard's "Top 100 Women Artists"

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

2025: Release of Virgin

In 2025, Lorde worked with Jim-E Stack and returned to electronic-based pop music for her fourth studio album, Virgin, which garnered more critical acclaim.