Lorde: The Voice of A Generation
Lorde, who has been in the spotlight since she was just 16 years old, has become the spearhead of the next generation’s hopes, dreams, and anxieties
Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O’Connor, a New Zealand-born singer known professionally as Lorde, was only 16 years old when her roaring pop single “Royals” reached the top of the charts in 2013.
It was a far cry from what people were used to hearing on mainstream radio. The usual brainless, upbeat nature of pop music was replaced with an intricate critique of the selfish and unhealthy direction the teenage experience was headed for. In fact, “Royals” directly called out the mindlessness of mainstream pop. From the get-go, it was clear that wherever Lorde was headed, success was sure to follow. And, boy, did it follow.
Lorde took home Grammys for both Song of the Year and Best Solo Performance for her performance of “Royals” in 2013, making her one of the youngest to ever do so.
Lorde’s debut album Pure Heroine would sell more than 5 million copies worldwide, going platinum in the United Kingdom, double platinum in Canada, and triple platinum in both Australia and the United States.
