Lorde, << lawrd >> (1996-…), is a New Zealand pop singer and songwriter known for her jazzy singing voice and striking appearance. In 2013, when she was 16 years old, she became the youngest person in more than 25 years to have a number-one hit on the United States Billboard singles chart “Hot 100.” The song, “Royals” (2012), also made Lorde the first New Zealand solo artist to have a number-one hit in the United States. “Royals” reached number one on the singles charts in Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom as well. The song was notable for its lyrics, which poke fun at the materialism (love of money) promoted by pop culture. Lorde won a Grammy Award for best pop solo performance for “Royals.” She also shared a Grammy for song of the year with the song’s co-writer, the New Zealand songwriter and musician Joel Little.
Lorde was born Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O’Connor on Nov. 7, 1996, in Takapuna, near Auckland. Her stage name, a feminine version of “Lord,” reflects her fascination with royalty and aristocracy. Lorde studied singing and acting as a child. She was signed to a recording contract at age 13 and began writing songs soon after that.
“Royals” was released on Lorde’s debut EP, The Love Club EP, in 2012. EP stands for extended play. This type of musical recording includes several songs but is not considered a full-length album. “Royals” was later included on Lorde’s first studio album, Pure Heroine, released in 2013. Lorde’s other notable songs include “Tennis Court” and “Team” from that album. Her second studio album, Melodrama, was released in 2017. Her third album, Solar Power, was released in 2021. She re-recorded five songs from the album in the Māori language, the language of the native Māori people of New Zealand. The songs were released later in 2021 on an EP called Te Ao Mārama (World of Light).
