AUCKLAND, 16 February 2026 – New Zealand’s pop visionary Lorde has made a triumphant return to the global stage, recently concluding the emotional home-turf leg of her Ultrasound World Tour. Following the massive success of her 2025 industrial dance-pop album Virgin, the singer-songwriter has solidified her status as a generational icon, blending her signature introspective lyricism with a bold new sonic direction.
Latest Updates: The Ultrasound Tour and Beyond
As of mid-February 2026, Lorde is currently in the midst of her global tour. On 11 February 2026, she performed a sold-out “homecoming” show at Auckland’s Spark Arena, a performance critics described as a “sweaty, sublime, and superstar return.” The setlist heavily featured tracks from Virgin, including the hit singles “What Was That” and the gender-exploring “Man Of The Year,” the latter of which saw its music video release just last week.
In addition to her touring schedule, Lorde was recently confirmed as a headliner for the All Points East 2026 festival in London, scheduled for 22 August. This follows Virgin reaching the top of the UK charts, marking another milestone in her twelve-year career. Fans are also buzzing about a potential “visual album” titled Dirty Blonde, which was teased on 12 February with a Diplo-mixed supercut of new tracks.
Career Highlights and Biography
Born Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O’Connor in Takapuna, Auckland, Lorde rose to international fame at just 16 years old. Her debut single “Royals” became a global phenomenon, making her the first New Zealand solo artist to reach number one on the US Billboard Hot 100. Known for her “jaded” and mature worldview, her discography has evolved from the minimalist pop of Pure Heroine to the cinematic Melodrama and the psychedelic Solar Power, culminating in the high-energy “industrial” era of 2025.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O’Connor |
| Birth Date | 7 November 1996 |
| Place of Birth | Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand |
| Major Awards | 2 Grammy Awards, 2 Brit Awards, 20 Aotearoa Music Awards |
| Studio Albums | Pure Heroine (2013), Melodrama (2017), Solar Power (2021), Virgin (2025) |
| Breakout Single | “Royals” (2013) |
Public Reception and 2026 Outlook
Public sentiment regarding Lorde’s current era remains overwhelmingly positive. Industry insiders have already begun predicting a strong showing for her at the 2027 Grammy Awards, with Virgin expected to be a frontrunner for Album of the Year. Critics have praised her ability to reinvent herself, noting that while 2024 was defined by “Brat summer,” 2025 and 2026 have undeniably belonged to the “Summer of Lorde.”
Beyond music, Lorde continues to influence fashion and culture. Her recent public appearances have popularised the “bra-as-top” trend, often paired with the baggy white collared shirts that defined the Virgin album rollout. As she prepares for the North American and European legs of her tour, including a heavily rumoured headlining slot at Lollapalooza 2026, her influence on the pop landscape remains as potent as ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lorde’s latest album?
Lorde’s fourth studio album is titled Virgin, released in June 2025. It features a shift toward industrial dance-pop and has been a commercial and critical success, topping charts in the UK and New Zealand.
Is Lorde touring in 2026?
Yes, Lorde is currently on her Ultrasound World Tour. She recently completed shows in New Zealand and Australia and is scheduled to headline major festivals like All Points East in London later this year.
How many Grammys has Lorde won?
Lorde has won two Grammy Awards, both earned in 2014 for her hit “Royals,” including Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance.
What is Lorde’s real name?
Her full legal name is Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O’Connor.