Lorde, the New Zealand singer-songwriter known for her introspective lyrics and unique sound, has returned with a bold new project, Ultrasound World Tour, the shows of which blend electronic beats and dance-pop with the thoughtful storytelling that first brought her international fame. The songs explore themes of independence, self-discovery, and personal growth, and many fans consider them to be some of her best work yet. Lorde took the stage at Madison Square Garden on October 1st for a highly anticipated performance, drawing fans eager to experience her new project live. The night showcased her signature style, blending introspective lyrics with dynamic electronic beats.
However, her Ultrasound World Tour has received mixed reactions. Some fans felt that the live performances were uneven and the energy on stage did not always match the strength of her studio recordings, according to Yahoo. In addition, her outspoken support for Palestine, which she highlighted during the shows with statements and visuals, made some audience members feel uncomfortable or unsure of how to respond, according to The New York Post. Despite these issues, her music itself remains compelling, and the album shows her continued growth as an artist.
Lorde—born Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O’Connor in 1996 in Auckland, New Zealand—is a singer-songwriter who gained international fame as a teenager. She released her first album, Pure Heroine, in 2013 at the age of 16. This album included the hit single “Royals” and immediately established her as a unique voice in pop music. Over the years, Lorde has released several successful albums, including Melodrama in 2017 and Solar Power in 2021, each showing her growth as both a songwriter and performer. Now 29 years old, she continues to be a major figure in modern pop as she maintains a strong connection with her fans worldwide.
In her latest album Virgin, Lorde explores themes of renewal, vulnerability, and self-exploration through a more stripped down emotional sound. Unlike the warm tones of Solar Power, Virgin returns to a more pensive and raw style that recalls the emotional depth of Melodrama. Across the tracks, Lorde struggles with innocence, identity, and the cost of growing up in the public eye. She mixes soft acoustic melodies with subtle electronic beats, creating a soundscape that feels organic yet modern. Songs like “David” and “Shapeshifter” showcase Lorde’s lyrical sensitivity along with rhythms that highlight her growth as a songwriter. Ultimately, Virgin cements Lorde’s reputation as an artist unafraid to evolve.
Lorde’s Ultrasound World Tour brought a mix of emotion and spectacle to the stage. She performed fan favorites like “Royals,” “Buzzcut Season,” and “Supercut,” blending her older hits with newer material, according to Consequence. Lorde even surprised fans by performing “No Better” for the first time in over a decade. Her stage design was simple but powerful, using shifting lights and silhouettes to highlight her voice. She closed the show with “Ribs,” singing under a single spotlight as the crowd sang along.
“Every show I play is a collaboration between you and me. We meet in a room and we make music together, our bodies and the machines in search of something bigger together,” Lorde said, according to NME.
However, not all aspects of the concert impressed fans. Some critics felt the energy of the show didn’t always match the intensity of her recordings. While her voice sounded great, the pacing made parts of the performance feel “flat and distant”, according to The Guardian. A few fans agreed, saying that there were long pauses between songs and less crowd interaction than expected. Others felt that some of the slower songs in the middle of the set brought down the energy just as the audience was getting into it. While the lighting and staging were creative, some critics said the set design lacked the excitement and spontaneity that Lorde is known for. Even with these issues, most agreed that her vocals remained strong and her passion was clear, even if the performance didn’t fully capture the power of her music on record.
At the recent New York performance at Madison Square Garden, Lorde made remarks expressing her solidarity with Palestine, drawing both praise and criticism online. While performing her hit song “Team”, Lorde shouted a political message and performed under the lights of a Palestine flag. Much of the sold out crowd erupted in cheers and applause, while others were left with an uneasy feeling after the bold political statement, according to sources such as The New York Post and The New Zealand Herald. With many fans recording the moment on their phones, the clip quickly went viral. Following the concert, The New York Post reported that Lorde’s songs were removed from Apple Music in Israel, leaving listeners in the country unable to access her discography. However, her songs remain available to stream in other regions, including the United States. Lorde’s onstage comment and its aftermath stresses how artists can become central figures in global political debates.
Despite the mixed reactions to her Ultrasound World Tour, Lorde continues to prove why she remains one of pop’s most fascinating figures. While some fans may have left the venue divided, others saw the concert as a reflection of Lorde’s growth as an artist who isn’t afraid to challenge her audience. She doesn’t just perform her songs—she invites listeners into her world, even when it feels imperfect or raw. Her connection to her fans, paired with her continued innovation, suggests that Lorde’s evolution is far from over. Lorde stands out by choosing honesty—and through that honesty, she’s helped countless fans feel seen and understood.
