Ella Yelich-O’Connor, the prodigious talent from New Zealand known professionally as Lorde, first graced our ears when she was just a teen. Born on November 7, 1996, in Auckland, she showcased her burgeoning talent in local shows and radio broadcasts, performing alongside her friend Louis McDonald. Their performances, under the moniker “Ella and Louis,” soon caught the attention of the music industry, leading to Lorde's signing with Universal Music Group in 2009 when she was barely thirteen.
In December 2011, she collaborated with producer Joel Little to record a five-song EP. This EP, christened 'The Love Club EP,' was initially self-released by Lorde as a free download in November 2012. The public response was phenomenal, and when downloads hit the 60,000 mark, Universal Music Group officially released it in March 2013. The EP charted high, reaching the second spot in both Australia and New Zealand.
However, it was the EP's single, "Royals," which truly established Lorde as an international sensation. The song 'Lorde Royals' perfectly captures the spirit of youthful rebellion and desire for authenticity amidst a world obsessed with ostentation. The lyrics "We don't care, we're driving Cadillacs in our dreams" resonated with millions worldwide, leading to the sale of 10 million units. Propelled by its success, Lorde reached the pinnacle of the Billboard 100, and "Royals" was certified “Diamond”.
"Royals" also garnered critical acclaim, winning the Grammys for Best Song and Best Pop Solo Performance. Its success was a testament to Lorde's unique voice and her fresh take on pop music, injecting it with honesty and relatability.
Ever since her meteoric rise with "Royals," Lorde's influence has been undeniable. Her inclusion in Time's list of the most influential teenagers in both 2013 and 2014 underscored her impact. With over 5 million album sales worldwide, Lorde continues to be a compelling figure in the music scene, her songs offering a refreshing authenticity that keeps us all 'Driving Cadillacs in our dreams'.