Lorde, whose real name is Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O’Connor, was groomed to be a star. After a recruiter saw footage of her singing at a middle school talent show, she was signed to a developmental contract and began working on her craft. She placed a heavy focus on lyrics and drew influence and inspiration from her mother, who is a poet.
Following the 2013 success of her internationally-renowned breakout hit “Royals,” New Zealand singer Lorde became one of the youngest artists ever to receive a Grammy—at age 17. While the artist may have soured on her own smash hit (likening it to a ringtone from a “2006 Nokia”), she went on to have remarkable success with the song.