Lorde Returns: New Album ‘Virgin’ & Lollapalooza 2026

New Zealand pop singer Lorde is making a comeback in the spotlight with a new album and a performance at one of the world's largest music festivals. The Grammy Award-winning artist confirmed the details of her album Virgin as well as performing at the 2026 Lollapalooza South America festival. 

The announcement thrilled fans who had been wanting more of the artist famous for songs like Royals and Green Light for years.

Lorde Opens Up About ‘Virgin’

In a recent interview, Lorde talked about her new album Virgin as a study of femininity and identity. She said it is a record about herself and where she is emotionally, making it one of her most personal pieces of work to date.

The now 28-year-old singer said she tried to capture different 'angles of womanhood' in the songwriting from the vulnerability of femininity to the power in strength. While she did not reveal a specific drop date, there is anticipation that it will be released before her summer festival performances in 2026.

Virgin will be her first full-length release since Solar Power in 2021, an album that received mixed reviews but revealed her desire to take risks in sound and style. Music journalists are already claiming the new project could be a significant shift in her career while still holding on to her poetic style.

Many fans have gone to social media to express their enthusiasm. Some have said they are curious to see how her sound has evolved over her time away. For listeners who grew up with her music, the release feels like a major comeback.

Lollapalooza 2026 Welcomes Lorde, Sabrina Carpenter, and Chappell Roan

Lorde has unarchived that ICONIC photo from 2013 on her Instagram pic.twitter.com/XJz2vbEpCk

— Lorde Updates 🧬⛓️ (@LordeUpdatesBR) August 31, 2025

Along with the news of her album, Lorde has been officially confirmed as one of the headliners for Lollapalooza South America in 2026." She will be co-headlining with up-and-coming artists Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan, both of whom have recently become internationally known.

The Lollapalooza South American edition has become one of the biggest music festivals in the world, attracting huge crowds in São Paulo, Santiago, Buenos Aires, and many more. The Lollapalooza Festival combines established acts from across the globe with newer voices to create a platform for audiences to experience music across the South American landscape. It is one of the most important music festivals for artists to become familiar with audiences in a multitude of national and cultural contexts.

In 2026, Lorde's set will mark her formal return to the global stage and live performances. Anyone who has seen her perform knows that her shows are characterized by emotional intensity and dramatic theatricality. It is also widely anticipated that the 2026 live performances will combine new songs from Virgin with established favorites from her earlier albums.

The addition of Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan to the line-up also showcases how current the festival continues to be. Carpenter has become internationally known as an actress and singer in the last few years, which has led to substantial heightened interest surrounding her career as one of pop's newest artist. Roan is being touted as one of the most original and freshest new artists. 

Conclusion

Lorde’s announcement of her new album Virgin and her place in the 2026 Lollapalooza lineup marks an important moment in her career. After years away from the spotlight, she is returning with music that reflects her growth and personal journey. With fans eagerly waiting for her new songs and festival performances, 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for the New Zealand artist.