Lorde Claims #1 on Top 40 with 'What Was That'

Lorde’s new track 'What Was That' entered the Top 40 Singles Chart at #1 on Friday, a special start to Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa | New Zealand Music Month.

It’s the first single from the artist's forthcoming record Virgin – out 27 June – and her fourth Top 40 #1

Reaching #1 is a pinnacle achievement for New Zealand artists. The last time a New Zealand artist had a #1 single was in March 2021 when Six60 hit the top with 'All She Wrote'

Lorde’s #1 single arrives hot on the heels of Marlon Williams’ te reo album Te Whare Tīwekaweka, which debuted at #1 on the Top 40 Albums Chart recently.

Recorded Music NZ CEO Jo Oliver says:

“It’s always cause for celebration when a NZ artist reaches #1 on the Charts – and even more remarkable to have two local #1s in the space of a month. It’s a reminder of the depth and diversity of talent in Aotearoa, and a fantastic way to open New Zealand Music Month and mark 50 years of the Official Music Charts"

Lorde is also a finalist for Te Tino Waiata o te Tau | Single of the Year at the 2025 Aotearoa Music Awards, for her collaboration with Charli xcx, 'Girl, so confusing featuring lorde'. View a full list of finalists here

AMA takes place on Thursday 29 May, and will be livestreamed via Official Media Partner RNZ and available to stream on TVNZ+ the following day.