1996–present
Who Is Lorde?
Lorde is a singer-songwriter from New Zealand who became an international crossover hit in 2013 with her debut studio album, Pure Heroine. The album’s debut single, “Royals,” soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100—making her the youngest pop star to achieve this feat since 1987—and won two Grammys. In 2017, Lorde released her sophomore album Melodrama to widespread critical acclaim, earning a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year. She has since released two additional albums, including 2025’s Virgin.
Quicks Facts
REAL NAME: Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O’Connor
BORN: November 7, 1996
BIRTHPLACE: Auckland, New Zealand
ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: Scorpio
Early Life
Born to a Croatian mother and Irish father, Lorde was born Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O’Connor on November 7, 1996, in Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand. She was raised in the suburbs of Auckland with her two sisters and brother. Her poet mother encouraged Lorde to immerse herself in reading in a variety of genres, and it was through her constant consumption of books that the seeds of her lyricism began to grow.
In 2009, Lorde and a friend won their school’s talent show and from there, they were invited to sing covers on a local radio show. Lorde was eventually signed to a development deal with Universal Music Group in her early teens and began performing her own songs in 2011. That same year, she teamed up with producer Joel Little and within a few weeks, they produced her first EP, The Love Club.
Among Lorde’s many musical influences, she cites Billie Holiday, Etta James, Sam Cooke, Fleetwood Mac, and Thom Yorke. More contemporary artists include Lana Del Rey, Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Radiohead, Animal Collective, and J. Cole.
Music offers Lorde a richer sensory experience than most people feel. That’s because she has sound-to-color synesthesia, a neurological condition in which specific notes and sounds correspond to certain colors.
Albums and Songs
Lorde has released four studio albums and won multiple awards for her music. That includes two Grammys, two Billboard Music Awards, four New Zealand Music Awards, and one MTV Music Award. In 2013, Time recognized her as one of the most influential teens in the world, and the following year, Forbes included her in their “30 Under 30” list.
Personal Life
Lorde was previously in a relationship with photographer James Lowe, but the couple broke up in 2015. The lead single “Greenlight” from the Melodrama album is based on the demise of their relationship.
Quotes
- A lot of musicians think they can do pop, and the ones who don’t succeed are the ones who don’t have the reverence—who think it’s just a dumb version of other music. You need to be awe-struck.
- After your heart is broken, music enters you on a new level.
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