Lorde Debuts New Song in Washington Square Park
Lorde debuted her new single “What Was That” at an impromptu gathering on Tuesday night in New York City’s Washington Square Park. Her performance followed two hours after police officers shut down the event due to overcrowding.
Tuesday morning, Lorde sent a text and email to fans with the message, “Meet me in the park. Tonight 7 p.m.” She did not specify which park, but apparently, she did not have to.
By 6 p.m., supporters flocked to Washington Square Park, blasting Lorde songs on speakers and dancing on platforms.
As the hour passed, word began to spread that the New York Police Department was shutting down the concert. While some people left disappointed, others stayed, hoping the iconic singer would soon arrive.
Better look at the crowd gathered for Lorde’s appearance in Washington Square Park today, moments before being shut down. pic.twitter.com/9KWfyzLtbc
— (@concertleaks) April 22, 2025
However, just before 7 p.m., Lorde posted an Instagram story asking people to leave. She wrote, “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.”
A Parks and Recreation Department spokeswoman confirmed that the city prohibited the show from proceeding because it lacked permits. Sound and park permits are required for concerts in New York City parks, but Lorde had neither.
Nevertheless, many fans lingered, still hoping that Lorde would appear before the night’s end. To their surprise, Blood Orange frontman Dev Hynes, who reportedly collaborated on Lorde’s new album, arrived with a portable speaker blasting the song.
Soon after, the singer herself arrived. At 9 p.m., Lorde thanked remaining fans and danced atop a wooden platform while her upcoming single blasted from portable speakers.
Lorde at Washington Square Park playing "What Was That"!!pic.twitter.com/SnH2XOsVSB
— Lorde Updates (@LordeUpdatesBR) April 23, 2025
This all follows Lorde’s recent domination of TikTok. After releasing a teaser of “What Was That,” fans have been freaking out, wondering if this marks her return to music after taking a four-year break.
They started questioning if we will have a “Lorde Summer,” named after “Brat Summer,” which references the popularity of Charli XCX’s Brat album last year.
To fans’ surprise, Lorde announced that “What Was That” will drop as soon as Wednesday at midnight. It looks as though Lorde summer is approaching faster than they thought.
