Confirmed her new status as an independent artist, in a voice note sent to fans on Wednesday (3.18,) Lorde shared that her contract with Universal Music Group (UMG) has formally ended.
Born Ella Yelich-O’Connor, the superstar singer/songwriter Lorde signed with UMG in 2009, before releasing chart-topping debut single, Royals, four years later.
“At the end of last year, my label deal – my record contract with Universal – came to an end.” “I have been in that contract for a very, very long time, in some form… since I was 12 years old, when I signed my first development deal with Universal,” said the New Zealand-born artist.
Emphasizing that she “adores” everyone at UMG, Lorde added:
“I’ve had an amazing experience with them. But the truth is that a 12-year-old girl pre-sold her creative output before she knew what it would be like, and before she knew what she was signing away.” and noting that she’s happy to have a “second” where nothing is being “bought or sold” from her, the 29-year old continued “When I see an opportunity for a clean slate, I try to take it. And it does feel different… I feel a feeling of openness and possibility, and I’m inspired. It just feels exciting to have removed the container or something for a second.”
Elsewhere in the voice note, the musician said that she’s determined to get a driver’s license before she turns 30 in November of this year “I’m studying for my permit… I must be a licensed driver before I turn 30.”
Earlier this week, the organizers of Lollapalooza 2026 (July 30 to August 2,) announced that Lorde, Charli XCX and Tate McRae, would headline the upcoming edition of the U.S. festival.
At press time, representatives for Lorde and Universal have yet to comment on the update.
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Author: Al Denté
Photo: Raph_PH