Lorde Delivers Surprise Performance in NYC After Event Canceled

NEW YORK, NY — Pop star Lorde managed to surprise hundreds of fans with an unplanned appearance in Washington Square Park on Saturday night, despite the cancellation of her live performance due to crowd safety concerns.

The excitement began earlier in the day when Lorde, 28, sent a text to her followers inviting them to the park, leading to a gathering of fans eager to hear her new single, “What Was That.” The single is due for official release on April 25. Fans swarmed the iconic location after she hinted at a special event on her social media.

However, just before the performance time of 7 p.m., Lorde posted to Instagram with disappointing news. “Omg @thepark the cops are shutting us down,” she wrote at 6:50 p.m. “I am truly amazed by how many of you showed up!! But they’re telling me you gotta disperse … I’m so sorry.”

Despite the setback, many fans chose to remain hopeful, waiting in the park. Soon after 8 p.m., Dev Hynes, known as Blood Orange and a collaborator with Lorde on her upcoming album, arrived with a portable speaker. He kicked off the festivities by playing “What Was That,” igniting the lingering crowd.

As excitement crescendoed, Lorde reappeared around 9 p.m., joining the crowd to dance to her new song. Though she did not perform, her casual mingling with fans created an intimate and magical experience. Footage of the impromptu event quickly spread across social media platforms.

“Even though we didn’t get a performance, it was magical,” said fan Sarah Kim, 23, from New Jersey. “She still showed up. She still made the night special. That’s why we love her.”

Lorde, who last released music in 2021 with her album “Solar Power,” attracted attention with this unorthodox promotion strategy, highlighting her connection to fans. Music journalist Robert Daniels noted, “Her decision to cancel the official event for safety but still find a way to engage with fans shows how much she values the moment and her audience.”

The surprise incident underscores Lorde’s artistry, blending spontaneity and intimacy while staying true to her unique style. As fans eagerly await the official release of “What Was That,” they continue to reflect on the unexpected night that highlighted the joy of live music.