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 brand of pop music and introspective songwriting. She gained international recognition at a young age, distinguishing herself with thoughtful lyrics and a distinct musical style. She has earned critical acclaim and a devoted following for her artistic vision and contributions to contemporary music.

Sections (4)

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

1971: Tribute performance of Life on Mars

In February 2016, Lorde and David Bowie's final touring band gave a tribute performance of his 1971 song "Life on Mars" at the Brit Awards. The performance was widely acknowledged as one of the finest tributes to Bowie.

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1987: Lorde Becomes Youngest Artist Since Tiffany to Top Charts

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

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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, showcasing her early talent in public speaking.

2007: First Place in Speech Competition

In 2007, while attending Vauxhall School, Lorde placed first in the North Shore Primary Schools' Speech competition, further demonstrating her public speaking abilities.

May 2009: Winning Belmont Intermediate School 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 at 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.

2013: Inclusion in Time's Most Influential Teenagers List

In 2013, Lorde was recognized as one of Time's most influential teenagers, marking her impact on popular culture at a young age.

2013: Commercial Release of The Love Club EP and Success of Royals

In 2013, The Love Club EP was commercially released after gaining traction on SoundCloud. The EP's single, "Royals", achieved significant success, topping charts and selling millions of units worldwide. Also, Lorde's debut album "Pure Heroine" was released.

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February 2014: Pure Heroine Sales Milestone

In February 2014, Pure Heroine sold over one million copies in the United States, becoming the first debut album by a female artist since Adele's 2008 album 19 to achieve this milestone.

2014: Continued Recognition

In 2014, Lorde appeared in Time's list of the most influential teenagers again, and was included in Forbes 30 Under 30 list. These appearances highlight her continued influence and achievements.

2014: Time and Forbes Recognition

In 2014, Lorde was recognized as one of the most influential teenagers by Time and was placed on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list, solidifying her impact and influence.

2015: Billboard 21 Under 21 List

In 2015, Lorde was featured on Billboard's 21 Under 21 list, marking her third consecutive appearance on the list.

June 2017: Album sales

As of June 2017, Lorde had sold over five million albums worldwide and 15 million certified single units in the United States, marking a significant milestone in her music career.

2025: Lorde ranked in Billboard's 'Top 100 Women Artists of the 21st Century'

Billboard ranked Lorde at number 44 on its 2025 'Top 100 Women Artists of the 21st Century' list, solidifying her impact and influence in the music industry.