Sir Elton John has discovered what New Zealanders have known for months.
Lorde (real name Ella Yelich O’Connor), the 16-year-old singer/songwriter from Takapuna Grammar, who has broken US Billboard records with her song Royals, can now count the music legend as a fan, after he praised her during a concert in Los Angeles – and even suggested Lady Gaga could learn a thing or two.
“Lorde had a big US hit with a song called Royals,” he told the audience. “It’s just her voice and a drum machine, and it’s beautiful in its simplicity. It’s the kind of direction Gaga should be going in.”
Elton fears Lady Gaga, who is godmother to his and partner David Furnish’s two sons, Zachary and Elijah, is avoiding his calls, and says he can’t get through to her to impart the advice personally.
Meanwhile, Lorde appeared on UK music show Later… with Jools Holland last week, alongside some superstars of the music industry. Lorde tweeted her excitement: “Sooooo buzzed about performing on the first episode of new season
‘Later… with jools holland’ w @kanyewest @KingsOfLeon etc! HUMBLED VIBE.”
She sang Royals, which is currently sitting at number three on the US Billboard charts, with only Miley Cyrus and Katy Perry above her.
Lorde also appeared in her first television interview last week, on TV3’s 3rd Degree. The 20-minute piece with Samantha Hayes followed her in the months leading up to her performance at Vector Arena on September 7 – her first concert in New Zealand.
Elton worries he may have offended Lady Gaga (left), the godmother to his two sons.
“I love it,” Lorde said. “I get to do these crazy things a lot of people wouldn’t necessarily get to do.”
Lorde was discovered at a school talent quest, aged just 12, and was signed to Universal Music at 13.
Despite her youth and inexperience, she insisted on recording her own songs, rather than release a covers album, and along with producer Joel Little, wrote all the songs – including Royals.
Elton with his boys: husband David Furnish and sons Zachary (blue Tee) and Elijah.
She also turned down the chance to support Katy Perry on tour – something she says was an easy decision. “I just don’t think it’s quite right for me,” she told Samantha.
But despite her meteoric rise, Lorde insists much is still the same at home.
“I definitely have to do the dishes,” she said. “My family is super close and super loud. We’re Yugoslav, and all Yugoslavs are loud. I’m actually the quietest one!”
