Lorde performing at Vector Arena. Photo / Chris Loufte
Kiwi teen music sensation Lorde has made it into the top 10 of music's most influential young stars list by Billboard magazine.
The 16-year-old Aucklander - who will release her debut album, Pure Heroine, tomorrow - has been named the sixth "hottest minor" of the year, by the influential music magazine.
Raving about Lorde,
Billboard
said it was "time to hail" the "fascinating new talent" with a top 10 position.
"Its creator, now known as Lorde, is one of the most fascinating new talents in pop music, with sold-out shows, a beguiling debut album titled Pure Heroine, and an astoundingly level head about her heightened profile.
"The head of Lorde's record label says that she could be 'the artist of her generation', and thousands agree. It's time to hail Lorde with a spot in this year's Top 10."
Lorde was ranked just under some of the major players in pop music today, including chart toppers One Direction, Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus.
Justin, 19, dropped from last year's first place because of the large amount of negative press he's received this year, which saw him criticised for partying too much, leaving fans waiting at concerts and general bad-boy behaviour.
Miley, 20, on the other-hand soared from 18 on last year's list to third place after her revamped look and new music saw her leap to the top of the charts, not forgetting that controversial MTV Video Music Awards performance.
Ariana Grande and Earl Sweatshirt made it to four and five.
21 Under 21: Music's Hottest Minors 2013 List:
1. One Direction
2. Justin Bieber
3. Miley Cyrus
4. Ariana Grande
5. Earl Sweatshirt
6. Lorde
7. Austin Mahone
8. Scotty McCreery
9. Cody Simpson
10. Emblem3
11. Cher Lloyd
12. Chief Keef
13. Bridgit Mendler
14. Miguelito
15. Joey Bada$$
16. Tori Kelly
17. Martin Garrix
18. Mindless Behavior
19. Matty B.
20. Lee Hi
21. Fifth Harmony
The Australian site cited a 'heightened threat level' as the issue.