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, professionally known as Lorde, is a New Zealand singer-songwriter celebrated for her unique approach to pop music and introspective lyrics. Her unconventional style has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. She is one of the most successful musicians from New Zealand.

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, with the song "Royals", Lorde became the youngest artist since 1987 to earn a number-one single in the United States since Tiffany in 1987.

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2006: Third place in speech competition

While attending Vauxhall School in 2006, Lorde placed third in the North Shore Primary Schools' Speech competition, a national contest.

2007: First place in speech competition

While attending Vauxhall School in 2007, 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.

2013: Labelled "New Queen of Alternative"

In 2013, Billboard named Lorde the "New Queen of Alternative" in a cover story, recognising her as a spokesperson for a "female rock resurgence".

2013: Most Influential Teenagers

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

2013: Commercial Release and Chart Success

In 2013, The Love Club EP was commercially released and its single "Royals" topped charts, spending nine weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100. Her debut album Pure Heroine was also released that year.

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2013: New Zealand Music Awards

In 2013, after her breakthrough, Lorde won four New Zealand Music Awards.

February 2014: Pure Heroine Sales Milestone

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 Forbes' 30 Under 30.

2014: Recognition as one of the most influential teenagers

In 2014, Time included Lorde on their lists of the most influential teenagers in the world. Forbes also placed her on their 2014 edition of 30 Under 30; she was the youngest individual to be featured.

2015: Billboard's 21 Under 21 list

In 2015, Billboard featured Lorde on their 21 Under 21 list, marking her third consecutive year on the list.

2015: Golden Globe Nomination

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 for Best Original Song

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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