Photo courtesy Lidya Lourdes
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From the humble beginnings of singing in Malaysian living rooms to performing on some of the world’s most iconic stages, pop artist and songwriter Lydia Lourdes, also known by her artist name LIDYA, has built a career defined by perseverance, purpose, and powerful milestones. Each chapter of her journey is a testament to what’s possible when talent meets unwavering belief.
“For me, every stream, every stage, every song stands as proof that with resilience, heart, and relentless faith, even the most distant dreams can come to life,” she shares.
LIDYA has made a strong impression with multiple noteworthy tracks. Her song Money On My Mind has 229,543 streams on Spotify. BADASS has accumulated 530,876 streams; Khali Wali, 258,801 streams;.and Where You Go, an incredible 1,396,911 streams – all on Spotify.
Milestones that made the dream real
Among her most memorable career markers is reaching over one million streams across global platforms, a milestone that felt both surreal and grounding. “To know that songs born from deeply personal places could resonate in over 65 countries is one of the greatest honors of my life,” Lydia says.
Her journey has also taken her to world-class stages. She has been invited to perform at various auspicious events and celebrations including Celebrate Brooklyn. She has also performed at Times Square in New York, Malaysia’s Lake Gardens Music Festival, and a ceremony honoring the Top 100 Most Influential Malaysians, among other events.
One of her most poignant performances took place at the Malaysia National Sports Stadium, where she performed in front of thousands at a breast cancer awareness event, using her voice to amplify a cause close to her heart.
Crafting her career from the ground up
As an independent artist, Lydia has not only written and performed her music, but has co-produced and creatively directed her work, ensuring each project reflects her vision and truth. This uncompromising commitment to authenticity has led to brand collaborations with Fox Sports, Sony, and Universal Music Group, giving her a broader canvas to tell her stories.
Her growth as a songwriter has also been accelerated by invitations to elite songwriting camps in the U.S., where she’s collaborated with top-tier American artists and producers. “These experiences opened extraordinary doors and expanded how I see and shape music,” she explains.
Back home, her music reached new heights when it broke into the Top 10 on Malaysian radio charts, a full-circle moment that brought Lydia deep personal pride. “That recognition from the place where my journey began means everything to me.”
A voice forged in resilience
Behind the accomplishments is a backstory rooted in humble beginnings. Born and raised in Malaysia as the youngest child in a small but deeply loving family, Lydia grew up without material wealth but surrounded by resilience and hope. Music was ever-present, a thread that connected her family and gave voice to the things they couldn’t always say aloud.
“My mother is still my greatest inspiration,” Lydia reflects. “She taught me that dreams aren’t just for the privileged. They’re for the brave.”
From singing in church pews to stages across continents, Lydia has held on to that lesson. The emotional honesty of her lyrics, her cultural sensitivity, and her sonic versatility reflect the woman she’s become, an artist committed to creating music that matters.
What’s next?
As she looks to the future, Lydia envisions more international collaborations, greater creative independence, and eventually, building a platform to uplift other underrepresented artists.
“I started this journey with nothing more than a voice and a dream,” she says. “Today, those dreams are still evolving, but every milestone reminds me that they’re possible.”
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