In a thrilling surprise for fans, Lorde took to the streets—or rather, the park—of New York City! On Tuesday, the singer sent out a cryptic text inviting her followers to meet her "in the park," leading a swarm of eager fans to Washington Square Park.

As the sun dipped lower, the nearly 10-acre park was electrified with energy as Lorde emerged, blasting her catchy new single "What Was That" from loudspeakers. Dressed in playful jeans and a bikini under a breezy white shirt, she danced exuberantly to lyrics that resonated with many of her fans. Cheers erupted as they documented this unforgettable moment.

However, excitement quickly turned to tension when local park rangers and police intervened, shutting down an earlier gathering. Just before the surprise performance, law enforcement informed the crowd that the event was cancelled. In a humorous Instagram story, Lorde addressed the situation, saying, "Omg @thepark the cops are shutting us down! I am truly amazed by how many of you showed up!!! But they’re telling me you gotta disperse… I’m so sorry."

According to a spokesperson from the New York City Police Department, officers were alerted to an unscheduled event in the park. The individual behind the music, although not officially named, was clearly the Grammy-winning star. The statement clarified that a sound and parks permit is required for performances, and since none was received, the event was called off.

Earlier this month, Lorde had teased the catchy tune "What Was That" with her first TikTok video, where she walked through Washington Square Park, listening to a sneak peek of the song. She confirmed the release of this debut single from her highly anticipated fourth album, set to drop on April 25.

Lorde has been actively engaging with fans in unique ways, opting for text messages instead of traditional newsletters. After a standout performance at Coachella, where she joined Charli XCX on stage, she shared a heartfelt voice memo. "Everything is about to change," she said passionately. "These are really the last moments where it’s just us—crazy but so right. I’m so ready! I’ve felt your love, and this is going to be crazy— you have no idea."

The audio notes mark a more spontaneous approach for Lorde as she communicates her musical journey with ease. "I don’t want to stress about capturing the moment in the right words," she explained. "What if it’s just about saying it, maybe getting it wrong, and that being okay?" Her candidness and connection with her audience continue to set her apart in the industry.

Don't miss out on the buzz! Lorde’s vibrant appearance at Washington Square Park is just a taste of what’s to come as fans anticipate her latest music. Are you ready to dive into this exciting new era with her?