Lorde, born Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O’Connor on November 7, 1996, in Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand, is a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter renowned for her introspective lyrics and minimalist pop sound. Raised in a literary household—her mother is a poet—Lorde developed a passion for reading and writing early on, which later influenced her songwriting. She began performing in her early teens and was signed to Universal Music at the age of 13.
Her debut album, Pure Heroine (2013), propelled her to international fame, with the lead single “Royals” topping charts worldwide and earning her two Grammy Awards. The album’s success was notable for its critique of materialism and its portrayal of suburban adolescence.
In 2017, Lorde released her second album, Melodrama, which received widespread critical acclaim and a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year. The album delved into themes of heartbreak and self-discovery, showcasing her growth as an artist.
Her third album, Solar Power (2021), marked a stylistic shift towards a more acoustic and introspective sound, reflecting themes of nature and personal well-being.
Lorde’s influences span a diverse range of artists, including Billie Holiday, David Bowie, and Kanye West, which is evident in her eclectic musical style.
In 2025, she announced her fourth studio album, Virgin, set for release on June 27, preceded by the single “What Was That.” The album explores themes of femininity and identity, with Lorde describing it as “100% written in blood.”
To support the album, she will embark on the Ultrasound World Tour, her first arena tour since 2018, beginning in September 2025.
Lorde’s career is marked by her distinctive voice, poetic songwriting, and ability to evolve artistically, solidifying her status as a significant figure in contemporary pop music.
