The New Zealand pop singer Lorde ("Royals") has postponed two planned concerts in the Hawke's Bay region due to the severe devastation caused by Cyclone "Gabrielle" in her home country. The wine region on the North Island is particularly affected by the consequences of the storm. At least eleven people were killed by the tropical storm, the damage is huge. "I'm so sorry you have to go through this," the New Zealand Herald newspaper quoted a statement from the 26-year-old as saying on Monday.

Lorde emphasized that it was not the right time for the concerts planned for March 1st and 2nd. "For the past week I have been following the devastation in Hawke's Bay. In line with the advice of the police, the venue and our promoter, I believe it is the right thing to do to postpone our shows in Hawke's Bay." The New Zealand superstar explained that she wanted to make up for the performances at a later date.

Lorde, whose real name is Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor, made her international breakthrough in 2013 at the age of just 17. She was awarded two Grammys in 2014 for her album "Pure Heroine" and the single "Royals". Her third studio album "Solar Power" was released in 2021.