Friends of internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Lorde say fame hasn't changed the 17-year-old as they celebrate her double Grammy success for the worldwide hit Royals.
The Aucklander, whose real name is Ella Yelich-O'Connor, won Grammys for Song of the Year and Best Solo Pop Performance in Los Angeles on Sunday. She also took to the stage to perform Royals.
Lorde has not been back to school since her career took off last year. While she was partying with Beyonce and Taylor Swift before and after the awards, it was back to school time for her friends at Takapuna Grammar on the North Shore.
Friends say her success isn't surprising in the slightest and she's still the girl they know as Ella. One-time classmates Tamara Bullock, Brooke Stilwell and Luca Denee says it is obvious watching her on stage that she hasn't changed a bit.
"I had music with her in Year 9 and you could tell then ... she had just interesting rhythms to share with our group," said one.
"You can tell by the way she is on the stage. She's still got her quirky, different Ella - you know who she is. She's herself, she's amazing," said another.
Lorde will tonight perform at Auckland's Silo Park. The show was organised after she pulled out of the St Jerome's Laneway Festival when she was nominated for the Grammys.
Lorde arrived back in Auckland this morning with her parents Sonja Yelich and Vic O'Connor.
