Lorde Embraces Raw Authenticity on UltraSound Tour

LOS ANGELES, CA — Pop star Lorde says she feels at home on stage for the first time in her career, thanks to her ongoing UltraSound tour. The 28-year-old artist has battled stage fright since she became famous at 16 with her hit single “Royals.” However, this tour feels different for her.

“It’s honestly been a completely transformative experience for me,” Lorde told Variety over Zoom. “A lot feels full-circle from my career starting 12 years ago.” The UltraSound tour, which has seen sold-out shows at major venues like Madison Square Garden, ends the U.S. leg in Seattle before heading to Europe next month.

This time, Lorde decided to reinvent the arena concert experience. She avoids the usual production gimmicks and walks through the crowd, interacting with fans while wearing a simple T-shirt and jeans. “It makes me feel incredibly proud to be in something so plain where just enough happens,” she said.

As an artist, Lorde aims to share her true self with her audience. “I thought there was something really cool about actually harnessing all the guts and wires—celebrating all of that,” she explained, referring to her minimalistic production approach.

Lorde also shares her struggles with acne while on tour. This year, she chose to embrace her natural look during her performances. “I’ve just come to realize that, as an artist, you might as well decide that everything about you is a strength,” she stated.

The UltraSound tour has drawn positive reactions from both her fans and critics. The intricacy of the performances stripped back to raw emotion allows for a deeper connection between Lorde and her audience. “This is the absolute highlight of my career,” she said, emphasizing the trust and respect she feels from her fans.

As she continues her tour, Lorde plans to keep the setlists dynamic, incorporating old and new material to cater to her loyal fanbase. She remains excited about her creative journey and eager to explore new ideas for future projects.

Lorde’s UltraSound tour continues in Europe, with fans eagerly anticipating her fresh approach to live performances.