Lorde Debuts New Single 'What Was That' in Surprise Washington Square Park Performance

On the evening of April 12, 2025, pop superstar Lorde made a surprise appearance at New York’s iconic Washington Square Park, dazzling fans with a live performance of her highly anticipated new single, 'What Was That.' The event was initially teased via her fan text line, leading numerous excited fans to gather at the park, only to face a shutdown by park rangers and local police due to safety concerns. To the crowd's astonishment, Lorde eventually arrived post-closure around 9 p.m. and expressed her gratitude towards the fans who stayed despite the circumstances. The atmosphere shifted from disappointment to excitement as Blood Orange’s Dev Hynes engaged the crowd by playing the new track, prompting fans to sing and gather around before Lorde’s arrival. The lyrics of 'What Was That,' which reflect themes of nostalgia intertwined with a sense of emotional authenticity, signal a return to form for the artist. Lines like 'I’m missing you / And all the things we used to do / MDMA in the back garden, blow our pupils up' showcase a raw intensity reminiscent of earlier works while simultaneously evolving her sound as an artist. Critically, Lorde's decision to perform this new material in a public setting is a noteworthy approach in an industry increasingly defined by calculated marketing strategies. Here she embraces vulnerability, reminding fans of her growth from the teenage sensation who shot to fame with 'Royals' to a self-assured, reflective artist at 28. Furthermore, her recent collaborations—including a surprise cameo at Coachella 2025 with Charli XCX—hint at a renewed vigor in her artistry, one that fuses her past and present create an innovative soundscape. As discussions envelop the themes of her new music, her unique status in pop culture continues to solidify her influence, suggesting that 'What Was That' is not only a return but a statement about her artistic direction moving forward. The performance’s viral nature, aided by social media platforms like TikTok, illustrates the changing landscape of music promotion where organic fan engagement can orchestrate the success of a release. The migration of fans from online anticipation to in-person gatherings at parks illustrates the profound connection artists have with their audiences in the era of social media. As Lorde graduates from her previous musical chapters, it’s evident that both the artist and her fans are ready for this new journey together, marking 'What Was That' as not merely a single but the dawn of a powerful resurfacing of an artist who continues to captivate.