What Is Lorde’s Net Worth?
Lorde, the acclaimed New Zealand singer-songwriter, has accumulated a substantial net worth of $18 million. This financial standing is primarily derived from her successful music career, encompassing album sales, streaming royalties, concert performances, and publishing rights.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Ella Maria Lani Yelich-O’Connor, known professionally as Lorde, was born on November 7, 1996, in Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand. Her early life provided a foundation for her future success. She attended Vauxhall School, Belmont Intermediate School, and Takapuna Grammar School. At the age of 13, in 2009, Lorde signed with Universal Music Group, marking the official beginning of her professional journey.
Lorde’s ascent to international stardom began with the release of “The Love Club EP.” The EP featured the breakout hit “Royals,” which achieved widespread success. In early 2013, “Royals” became a hit in New Zealand before topping the U.S. “Billboard” Hot 100 chart. It quickly became one of the best-selling singles of all time, exceeding 10 million copies in sales worldwide. By 2018, “Royals” was recognized as a seminal song of the century, ranking #9 on “Rolling Stone” magazine’s “100 Greatest Songs of the Century – So Far” list, solidifying its impact and legacy.
In 2010, Lorde, along with friend Louis McDonald, began performing around Auckland as the duo Ella & Louis. The following year, Lorde started taking singing lessons to hone her vocal skills. November 2011 marked Lorde’s debut of original compositions at the Victoria Theatre in Devonport. Teaming up with singer-songwriter Joel Little in December 2011, Lorde recorded “The Love Club EP,” self-releasing it on SoundCloud in November 2012 before its commercial release in March 2013.
Her first full-length album, “Pure Heroine,” debuted to critical acclaim in September 2013. The album featured “Royals” along with other singles such as “Tennis Court,” “Team,” and “Glory and Gore.” In 2013, Lorde also recorded two additional EPs: “Tennis Court” and “Live in Concert.” November 2013 saw Lorde signing a $2.5 million publishing deal with Songs Music Publishing, a significant milestone in her early career.
Major Albums and Earnings
Lorde’s second album, “Melodrama,” was released in June 2017, featuring the lead single “Green Light,” which soared to #1 on the New Zealand music charts. “Melodrama” debuted at the top of the U.S. “Billboard” 200 chart and was included on numerous lists of the year’s best albums. The success of “Pure Heroine” and “Melodrama” generated substantial revenue through album sales, streaming royalties, and international tours.
While specific financial details for each album are not publicly disclosed, industry estimates and sales figures suggest that “Pure Heroine” generated several million dollars in revenue, considering its multi-platinum certifications in various countries. Similarly, “Melodrama” contributed significantly to Lorde’s earnings, reinforcing her position as a top-earning artist. For “Solar Power”, although precise figures are not public knowledge, insights from industry analysis indicate that the album added substantially to Lorde’s revenue through diverse channels such as record sales, digital streams, and global concert tours.
Beyond album sales and streaming, Lorde’s tours for “Pure Heroine” and “Melodrama” added significantly to her income. Concert tours are a primary revenue source for musicians, with earnings derived from ticket sales, merchandise, and VIP packages. Although specific financial details are not available, these tours generated substantial revenue, contributing to Lorde’s overall financial success.
Her participation in “The Hunger Games” franchise further boosted her earnings. She performed a cover of Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” for the 2013 “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” soundtrack. Additionally, she contributed four tracks to the 2014 “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1” soundtrack, curating the album’s tracklist. These contributions provided additional income streams, enhancing her financial portfolio.
Awards and Recognition
Lorde has received over 40 awards, including 18 New Zealand Music Awards, 2 Billboard Music Awards, 2 Grammy Awards, 4 APRA Silver Scroll Awards, 3 World Music Awards, and an ASCAP Pop Award. Her nominations from the Golden Globe Awards and the Critic’s Choice Awards in 2015 for her song “Yellow Flicker Beat” enhanced her reputation and financial prospects.
“Time” magazine recognized Lorde’s influence by including her in their lists of “The 16 Most Influential Teens of 2013” and “The 25 Most Influential Teens of 2014.” She was also the youngest person featured on “Forbes” magazine’s “30 Under 30” issue in 2014, underscoring her impact and influence at a young age.
Lorde’s parody in “South Park,” where she was portrayed as Randy Marsh’s alter-ego, further cemented her cultural presence. The show’s humor, including the song “Push (Feeling Good on a Wednesday),” added to her public profile, generating interest and recognition.
Real Estate Investments
In 2016, Lorde invested in real estate, purchasing a home in the Herne Bay area of Auckland for NZ$2.84 million (USD$2.01 million). This property, built in 1900, features four bedrooms and a heated swimming pool. Herne Bay is known as one of Auckland’s most affluent suburbs, reflecting the quality and prestige of her real estate investment.
The house, located in a prime residential area, includes manicured gardens and an outdoor deck area, suitable for entertainment and relaxation. The home is approximately 2,500 square feet, offering ample living space. This real estate investment is a tangible asset, contributing to her net worth and financial security.