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 recognized for her unique approach to pop music. Her work often features introspective and thoughtful songwriting, setting her apart in the contemporary music scene.

Sections (4)

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

1987: Youngest Artist to Top Billboard Since Tiffany

In 2013, at the age of 16, Lorde became the youngest artist since Tiffany in 1987 to earn a number-one single in the United States, with "Royals".

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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.

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 November 18, 2009, Lorde was part of the Belmont Intermediate School band Extreme; the band placed third in the North Shore Battle of the Bands finals.

2013: New Zealand Music Awards

After her breakthrough, Lorde won four New Zealand Music Awards at the 2013 ceremony.

2013: New Queen of Alternative

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

2013: Time's Most Influential Teenagers List

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

2013: "Royals" Topped Charts and Pure Heroine Released

In 2013, Lorde's single "Royals" topped charts in multiple regions and spent nine weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100. Her debut studio album, Pure Heroine, was also released in 2013 to critical and commercial success.

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February 2014: Pure Heroine Sold One Million Copies

By February 2014, Lorde's debut album, Pure Heroine, sold more than one million copies in the United States, making her the first female artist since Adele in 2008 to achieve this milestone with a debut album.

2014: Recognition from Time and Forbes

In 2014, Lorde was featured in Time's list of the most influential teenagers for the second year and in the Forbes 30 Under 30 edition.

2014: Included in Time and Forbes Lists

In 2014, Time included Lorde on their lists of the most influential teenagers, and Forbes placed her on their 30 Under 30 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: Billboard's 21 Under 21 List

In 2015, Lorde was featured on Billboard's 21 Under 21 list.

2015: Success of "Yellow Flicker Beat" and Feature on "Magnets"

In 2015, Lorde's track "Yellow Flicker Beat" earned her a Golden Globe nomination and won Single of the Year at the New Zealand Music Awards. She was also featured on Disclosure's song "Magnets".

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June 2017: Sales Figures

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

2017: Critical Acclaim and Awards for Melodrama

In 2017, Melodrama received widespread critical acclaim for its emotional weight and pop production styles. At the 2017 New Zealand Music Awards, the album won Album of the Year, and Lorde won multiple awards.

2017: US Billboard Hot 100 Top 40

In April 2025, "What Was That" became her first top-40 single on the US Billboard Hot 100 since 2017.

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2018: NPR's Most Influential Female Musicians

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

April 2025: Performance with Charli XCX at Coachella

In April 2025, Lorde performed the "Girl, So Confusing" remix track with Charli XCX at Coachella after performing it at Charli XCX's Madison Square Garden concert in New York City in June of the previous year.