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 New Zealand singer-songwriter celebrated for her unique and introspective approach to pop music. She gained international recognition at a young age with her debut album *Pure Heroine* (2013), which featured the hit single "Royals". Her music often explores themes of youth, fame, and societal critique. Lorde has released two subsequent albums, *Melodrama* (2017) and *Solar Power* (2021), further solidifying her status as a critically acclaimed and influential artist in contemporary music.

Sections (4)

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

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.

2008: Adele's 19 Album

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

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 in Battle of the Bands

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.

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 and Success of Royals

In March 2013, Universal Music Group commercially released The Love Club after it gained popularity online. "Royals" became a critical and commercial success.

September 2013: Release of Pure Heroine Album

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

2013: Named "New Queen of Alternative"

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

2013: Recognition as an Influential Teenager

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 online. The EP's single, "Royals", topped charts in multiple regions and spent nine weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

2013: Won four New Zealand Music Awards

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

February 2014: Pure Heroine Sells Over One Million Copies 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: Continued Recognition and Forbes 30 Under 30 Inclusion

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

2014: Recognition as an Influential Teenager and Forbes 30 Under 30 Inclusion

In 2014, Time included Lorde on their list of the most influential teenagers, and Forbes placed her on their 30 Under 30 list.

2015: Billboard 21 Under 21

In 2015, Billboard featured Lorde on their 21 Under 21 list.

2015: Golden Globe Nomination and Collaboration with Disclosure

In 2015, Lorde earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song for "Yellow Flicker Beat" from The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 soundtrack. She was also featured on Disclosure's song "Magnets".

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2015: Golden Globe Nomination

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

March 2017: Release of Green Light

In March 2017, Lorde's lead single from her second studio album Melodrama, "Green Light", was released to critical acclaim.

May 2017: Pure Heroine Sales Milestone

As of May 2017, Lorde's album Pure Heroine had sold four million copies worldwide.

June 2017: Sold Over Five Million Albums

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

June 2017: Release of Melodrama

In June 2017, Lorde's album Melodrama was released to widespread critical acclaim, debuting 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 Album

In 2017, Lorde collaborated with producer Jack Antonoff for her second studio album Melodrama, which received widespread critical acclaim and debuted atop the US Billboard 200.