In 2009, A&R representative Scott MacLachlan of Universal Music Group (UMG) discovered 12-year-old singer Lorde when he saw footage of her performing at a school talent show in Auckland, New Zealand.

Critics have credited the song for paving the way for other alternative-leaning pop artists.Ī photograph of American baseball player George Brett ( pictured) in the July 1976 edition of National Geographic inspired the track's title. Lorde performed 'Royals' on her Pure Heroine (2013–14), Melodrama (2017–18) and Solar Power (2022-23) concert tours. The track won awards for Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance at the 2014 Grammy Awards, and the APRA Silver Scroll Award. It shows teenagers in a suburban neighbourhood interspersed with minimal shots of Lorde. The music video for 'Royals' was directed by Joel Kefali and premiered on Lorde's YouTube channel on.

In the media, the song has been credited for inspiring some artists to adopt its minimalist sound, and has been called an anthem for millennials. It also was the second-most consumed song of 2013 in New Zealand and is certified nine-times platinum in Australia, seven-times platinum in Canada, and six-times platinum in New Zealand. It sold 10 million units worldwide, making it one of the best-selling singles of all time. In the US, 'Royals' spent nine weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The single attained international chart success, reaching number one in Belgium, Canada, Ireland, Israel, Italy, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Since its release, the track has appeared on critics' year-end and decade-end song lists. 'Royals' received widespread acclaim from music critics, who praised its songwriting, production, and Lorde's vocal performance. The track's lyrics express disapproval with the sumptuous lifestyle presented in songs and music videos by pop and hip hop-influenced artists. 'Royals' is a minimalist art pop and electropop song with influences of hip hop, R&B, and indie pop. Lorde wrote the song with producer Joel Little.

' Royals' is the debut single by New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde, included in her debut extended play (EP) The Love Club EP (2012) and debut studio album Pure Heroine (2013).

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