The single Royals spent nine weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, selling 10 million units worldwide and establishing the New Zealand artist as a global presence. This track made the singer, then 16 years old, the youngest artist to earn a number-one single in the United States since Tiffany achieved the feat in 1987.
Early Development and Education
Born Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor on 7 November 1996 in Takapuna, she was raised in Auckland's North Shore suburbs. She attended Vauxhall School and Belmont Intermediate School, later completing Year 12 at Takapuna Grammar School in 2013. Identified as a gifted child at age six, she participated in local speech competitions and the Kids' Lit Quiz, where her team finished as runners-up in the 2009 World Finals.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Career Beginnings
Following a successful talent show performance in 2009, she and friend Louis McDonald were signed to Universal Music Group after A&R executive Scott Maclachlan heard their covers of songs by Pixie Lott and Duffy. After unsuccessful sessions with various producers, she partnered with Joel Little in 2011. They recorded the material for The Love Club EP at Golden Age Studios in Morningside over three weeks.
Studio Albums and Creative Evolution
Her debut studio album, Pure Heroine, arrived in 2013. She later collaborated with producer Jack Antonoff for the 2017 release Melodrama, which topped the US Billboard 200. Her third album, Solar Power, released in 2021, incorporated indie folk and psychedelic influences. By 2025, she returned to electronic-based pop music with her fourth studio album, Virgin, produced in collaboration with Jim-E Stack.
Fast facts
- Born: 7 November 1996, Takapuna, New Zealand
- Citizenship: New Zealand and Croatia
- Key Albums: Pure Heroine, Melodrama, Solar Power, Virgin
- Early Education: Belmont Intermediate School
- Notable Recognition: Billboard 21 Under 21 (2014)
- Significant Award: Aotearoa Music Award for Best Solo Artist
Questions readers ask
Which artists has she written for?
She has co-written songs for artists including Broods and Bleachers.
How many Grammy Awards has she received?
Lorde has won two Grammy Awards.
Achievements
- Educated at Vauxhall School
- Worked as singer-songwriter, composer and lyricist
.jpg)
