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. She gained international recognition in her teens with her debut single "Royals" and album *Pure Heroine*. Lorde is celebrated for her unique approach to pop music, characterized by introspective lyrics, minimalist production, and alternative soundscapes. Her subsequent albums, *Melodrama* and *Solar Power*, further explored themes of youth, fame, heartbreak, and environmentalism, solidifying her reputation as an influential and innovative artist in contemporary music.

Sections (4)

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

1987: Youngest Artist to Earn Number-One Single Since Tiffany

In 2013, after the success of 'Royals', Lorde became the youngest artist since Tiffany in 1987 to have a number-one single in the United States.

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.

2009: Runner-up in Kids' Lit Quiz World Finals

In 2009, Lorde and her Belmont team were named the runner-up in the Kids' Lit Quiz World Finals.

March 2013: Commercial Release of The Love Club

In March 2013, UMG commercially released The Love Club EP after it gained popularity through free downloads.

September 2013: Release of Pure Heroine

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

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2013: New Queen of Alternative

In 2013, Billboard named Lorde the "New Queen of Alternative" in a cover story.

2013: Included in Time's Most Influential Teenagers

In 2013, Lorde was included 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, and its single, "Royals," topped charts in multiple regions and spent nine weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

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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 Reaches One Million Copies Sold

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: Featured in Time's Most Influential Teenagers and Forbes 30 Under 30

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

2014: Featured on Forbes 30 Under 30 and Time's Most Influential Teenagers

In 2014, Lorde was featured on Forbes 30 Under 30 and Time's list of the most influential teenagers.

2015: Golden Globe Nomination and Featured on Disclosure's Song

In 2015, Lorde received a Golden Globe nomination and was featured on Disclosure's song "Magnets".

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 21 Under 21 List

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

May 2017: Pure Heroine Sales Update

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

June 2017: Release of Melodrama

In June 2017, Lorde released Melodrama, which debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200.

June 2017: Album Sales Milestone

As of June 2017, Lorde had sold over five million albums worldwide.

2017: Release of Melodrama

In 2017, Lorde released her second studio album, Melodrama, collaborating with Jack Antonoff. The album was critically acclaimed and debuted atop the US Billboard 200.