Lorde turns Berlin into a Perfect Place: Ultrasound World Tour Live at Max-Schmeling-Halle

Born and raised in New Zealand, Lorde was just 16 years old when she released her critically acclaimed debut album Pure Heroine, including the GRAMMY-winning song "Royals", in 2013. She remained culturally relevant to this day, becoming one of the most important voices and songwriters of her generation, with many artists such as Gracie Abrams, Olivia Rodrigo, Conan Gray, and Billie Eilish citing her as being inspirational on their own artistic journeys.

On December 5th, 2025, she brought her Ultrasound World Tour to Berlin, turning the Max-Schmeling-Halle into a Perfect Place in this world for one night while presenting songs from her latest album Virgin, produced together with Jim-E Stack. On it, she explores themes such as sex, gender fluidity, heartbreak, and self-discovery.

Virgin peaked at number #1 in New Zealand, Australia, Scotland and the UK, debuting at #2 on the US Billboard 200 charts as well as reaching #3 on the German Top 100 Album charts, which marked Virgin as her most successful album in Germany to date.

It was an exciting night for fans, with previous moments of the tour having gone viral in the last couple of weeks, such as her bringing out Charli XCX during her LA show to perform their collaboration "Girl, so confusing".

Despite the freezing temperatures, some fans were queuing for hours before doors opened to be as close to the New Zealand singer as possible. Tickets had sold out within minutes, resulting in a fully packed venue.

For the German shows of the Ultrasound Tour, Lorde chose none other than Amber Bain, known as The Japanese House, as her opener. Although the indie-pop singer had played her own show the day before at Heimathafen Neukölln instead of taking an off-day, she showed no sign of tiredness when she entered the stage alongside her band. Their set included vibey tracks such as "Touching Yourself" and "Boyhood", before closing with "Sunshine Baby".

Then it was time for the one and only: Lorde. Taking the stage with the album opener “Hammer”, she warmed up the crowd for what was to come. And spoiler alert: fans had a lot to look forward to. "Royals" followed, meaning she performed one of her biggest hits right at the beginning of the show. Some might argue that such a classic could have worked better toward the end, but throughout the night, Lorde proved her hit-making abilities again and again.

The night was filled with a lot of emotion. Before performing “Liability”, the singer paused to speak to the crowd, delivering a beautiful and moving speech that brought many to tears: 

It’s just incredible to be in Berlin, really. We have made it here by being so deeply, uncompromising ourselves. I see in you the exact same thing that has gone on in me, I see how you have become your own sovereigns. We grew up together, I know you! It’s not easy in this world, it’s fucked up out there, It’s scary sometimes. And I really believe that it is urgent: Being exactly who you need to be, taking care of others who are trying to be, who they need to be. It is urgent, Berlin, so don’t fuck around! I sit before you tonight, right before christmas, I’m 29 years old and I solemnly swear to you that I will keep walking that path, even if if it gets twisty and thorny: I’m going to keep walking it and I promise I will write down what I find there.

This raw and honest moment perfectly explains why people resonate so deeply with Lorde. She has the ability to capture one’s deepest feelings and fears, making audiences and listeners not only feel seen but also understood and united. This sense union, community and freedom was further amplified strengthened performances of "Supercut", "What Was That" or "Green Light" as fans went absolutely feral, like really really really feral, this time in the polar opposite: jumping, screaming and singing their lungs out, having the best time possible, many while holding hands with loved-ones and the friends they came to the show with. 

Outfit changes became an integral part of Lorde’s set. Most of them happened during or in between songs, making them especially captivating. Walking on stage in jeans, a belt, black sneakers, and a cropped T-shirt, she revealed a pair of Calvin Klein boxer-briefs during the performance of "Current Affairs" by taking off her belt, shoes, and jeans mid-performance.

Although technically not clothing, her iconic ombre, rainbow-colored titanium water bottle from Snow Peak, which has been her profile picture and everyday companion since kicking off the Virgin-Era, definitely made one smile when it made a delightful appearance in the interlude before the performance of "GRWM". She told the audience how she started writing the song under the shower after meeting someone she "really, really liked" before starting to pour water all over herself as she "gotta be wet" now whenever she sings it. Seeing that bottle somehow felt like meeting a friend you met online through Tumblr in real life and realizing they are a real person (or, in this case, a real thing). Somehow, it was bizarre, but in the best way.

Putting her pants back on during "Oceanic Feelings", which she describes as her personal favorite off her third studio album Solar Power, it was her shirt that came off a few songs later during "Man Of The Year". Recreating the single cover in real life by revealing a bare chest covered in silver duct tape, an image found throughout the audience, as many fans recreated this iconic look by the singer. 

However, without a doubt, the coolest and mind-blowing outfits of the night were the light-up jacket she put on for "David". The album highlight and closer also became one of the highlights of the show. Using Michael Angelo’s statue as a metaphor, Lorde sings about reclaiming self-identity after being molded by a dominating figure in her life. It’s a powerful song with an important message: "I don’t belong to anyone". Making the song even more intimate as it already is, Lorde decided to walk through the crowd, creating a raw and vulnerable moment between her and the audience. 

Speaking of light: Lorde, what was that? Throughout the show, lightning and lasers created a stunning visual spectacle at the Ultrasound Tour, perfectly capturing the mood of each song.  Back in October 2025, the singer had joined the "No Music For Genocide" boycott by geo-blocking her music from being streamed in Israel, therefore taking a stand in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. During "Team", she lit up the stage in red, white, and green lights, recreating the Palestinian flag in order to show off her support for Palestinians, once again reminding the audience about her standing, which gained her some applause and supportive cheers.

Ending the roughly one hour and forty minute show with fan-favorite "Ribs", Lorde moved to the B-Stage at the back of the arena to ensure everybody had a good view at one point of the show. Once again: with an amazing light show. This time, having a beam shine towards her, which she eventually caught with her hand, marked the end of the show. Despite Berlin not getting a bonus surprise song, nobody seemed to mind. 

As Lorde left the stage, one last intimate moment unfolded: spotting a long-time fan, Josiah, the two of them shared a big hug and quick exchanges of “love you's” (which was heartwarming to watch), before it was time to leave. With a warm feeling around everyone’s heart, it is safe to say: this was truly a night to remember!

LISTEN TO LORDE'S NEWEST ALBUM "VIRGIN" HERE: