She's a Winner, By George

A picture, we're often reminded, is worth a thousand words, but apparently it can also be worth 375 words and some heavy beats. At least that's the case for Lorde, the 17-year-old singer who on Sunday took home two Grammys—including song of the year—for her megahit "Royals." The song was inspired by, of all things, a picture of Hall of Fame third baseman George Brett, whose career ended three years before Lorde was born in the baseball hotbed of Devonport, New Zealand. In the photo, which appeared in National Geographic in 1976, Brett is surrounded by autograph-seeking fans. Don't try to read too much into the lyrics, though: "His shirt said, Royals," Lorde explained to VH1. "It was just that word. It's really cool."

PHOTO

TED SPIEGEL/NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC/GETTY IMAGES (BRETT)