On Monday, the Herald broke the news that Ella Yelich O'Connor had parted ways with her manager of six years, Scott Maclachlan of Saiko Management.
Neither Maclachlan, Lorde or record company Universal Music would comment on the situation, which was met with raised eyebrows by some music journalists.
"It should never be forgotten that ... a good manager is the only person in the room who will say No. And often that ability to say No comes from having been around since the beginning, since before the artist expected that their every word be greeted with approval," wrote The Guardian's Eamonn Forde.
In December, the singer formally took over as director of the intellectual property company Sackful of Squirrels, marking a major step on the path to independence.
Meanwhile, another popular rumour is that Lorde's mum Sonja Yelich will take over her daughter's career, following the momager path made infamous by Kris Jenner.
- nzherald.co.nz with AAP
