Lorde Steps Into Independence as Universal Contract Ends
Lorde announced she’s now an independent artist after her Universal Music Group contract expired in late 2025, seeking a clean slate after signing with UMG at age 12. She praised the team at UMG but said she needed freedom from a pre-sold creative output, and Variety confirms she’s no longer with UMG. She had released Virgin through UMG in 2025 and is currently on her Ultrasound tour, with upcoming Los Angeles shows, while leaving open the possibility of future deals with Universal.