Top 5 Things You Didn't Know about Lorde
#5: She Was Discovered at a Talent Show
Before she became the internationally renowned artist known as Lorde, she was just little 12 year old Ella Yelich-O’Connor, one of two singers of a band known as Extreme, performing at school talent shows. Somehow, a low quality video of one of her performances made it into the hands of A&R rep Scott Maclachlan of Universal music. Despite her young age, and the fact that she was performing cover songs, Maclachlan saw potential and raw talent. A few years later, and she was a breakout star, wowing listeners with her distinct style. At the tender age of 16, she was the new “it” artist.
#4: She Has Her Own Wax Figure
Fame can be measured in a number of ways: followers on Instagram, albums sold, Google search rankings. But in this modern digital age of “here today, gone tomorrow,” only one testament to fame lasts forever - a wax mannequin. Well… not if someone turns up the heat, but you get idea! Seeing your likeness in Madam Tussaud’s wax museum in Hollywood is a serious sign of status - proof that you’ve made it. Not all wax statues are created equal… but in this case, even the subject’s own mother was impressed by the realism of the figure, commenting on Instagram, “"I so love this waxy Ella! Even I could be tricked into thinking that that's my kid."
#3: She Comes from an Artistic Background
Going back as far as 2013’s The Love Club EP, Lorde has been praised for her way with words. There is a sort of deliberate simplicity to her lyrical style. Her lyrics are accessible, easy to digest, yet evocative and deeply meaningful. Essentially… she’s got a real knack for saying a whole lot in very few words. Apparently, it’s in her blood. Her mother, Sonja Yelich, is a New Zealand poet, whose first published collection of poems, entitled “Clung”, earned her the Jessie Mackay award for 'Best First Book of Poetry' in 2005. Her work has been selected for the “Best New Zealand Poems” numerous times over the years. Talk about a talented family.
#2: She Knows How to Take a Joke
The writers of South Park are masters of lowbrow pop culture satire. Sadly, those on the butt end of their jokes often fail to appreciate the distinct brand of humor. For example, Kanye West was not a fan of his portrayal. Tom Cruise actually threatened to sue over the way he was depicted. As for Lorde? Well, she apparently sat around with friends, laughing her head off, repeatedly quoting her on-screen crudely animated counterpart. Who… by the way, is actually the middle-aged, mustachioed Randy Marsh. In fact, she went so far as to do a brief cover of his song “Ya-ya-ya I am Lorde” on camera. Now that’s a sense of humor.
#1: She Is The Youngest Artist to Top the Billboard 100 in Decades
Calling Lorde young and successful is an understatement. In 2013, Time named her as one of the “most influential teenagers in the world.” In 2014, at the age of 17, she took home two Grammys and made it onto Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list. In fact, she’s setting and updating records and milestones. Before “Royals” in 2013, the last time that a woman hit No. 1 on the Billboard Alternative Songs Chart was back in 1996, with Tracy Bonham’s “Mother Mother.” She’s the first woman to top the Billboard Hot 100 since 1987 and is the first New Zealander to ever do it. Ella might not be royalty, but she’s pretty damn close.
