Lorde tops Billboard's most powerful minor in music

Los Angeles: Grammy Award-winning singer Lorde has been named the most powerful minor in music after topping Billboard magazine's Under 21 list.

The 17-year-old singer, real name Ella Yelich-O'Connor, topped the American list which Billboard says is an "annual ranking of music's most powerful minors", reportedly.

Last year, the 'Royals' hitmaker came in at number six. She has beaten the likes of boyband Seconds of Summer to land the title, which ranks the hottest young stars of the year.

Justin Bieber places third on the countdown, with Dutch electronic DJ/producer Martin Garrix and girl group Fifth Harmony rounding out the top five.

"She's consistently demonstrated an influence that extends well beyond music, championing an image free of touch-ups and letting young girls know that they don't have to dress provocatively to capture the public's attention. "Lorde has used her debut single as a springboard to unequivocal superstardom," Billboard said.