Pop singer Lorde attempted a surprise performance Tuesday evening in Washington Square Park, drawing hundreds of fans anticipating an impromptu concert. However, the planned event faced immediate obstacles and was ultimately shut down by law enforcement officials.
The singer had hinted at the gathering through messages sent to fans, suggesting they meet her in "the park" at 7 p.m. While no specific location was named, many fans quickly descended on Washington Square in Greenwich Village, creating a lively scene ahead of the scheduled time.
As the crowd grew, reports circulated that the show had been canceled by the Police Department. This came after it became apparent that the necessary permits for such a gathering and performance had not been secured beforehand. Lorde herself confirmed the cancellation via social media, explaining authorities required the crowd to disperse.
Despite the official cancellation and the police presence, many hopeful fans remained in the park for a considerable time, reluctant to leave in case the artist made an appearance. They waited past the initial 7 p.m. call time, holding onto the possibility of seeing the singer.
Later in the evening, after 9 p.m., Lorde did make a brief, unexpected appearance. Standing near the park's fountain, she performed her forthcoming new single, "What Was That," singing along to a recorded track played through a simple speaker setup.
This brief performance followed earlier teasers of the song, including a video featuring the singer in Washington Square Park. Lorde has seen recent activity, including an appearance at a Coachella set earlier this month, leading fans to anticipate new music, her first since the 2021 album Solar Power.
For those who waited through the uncertainty, the delayed appearance offered a moment of connection despite the initial disruption. As one fan who stayed put put it, "If she didn’t come out, it would feel like summer isn’t starting yet."
