What Was That is the lead single from pop singer Lorde’s new album – but it also aptly describes the reactions of some lucky Sydney fans who couldn’t believe their eyes when the Kiwi star turned up on the dance floor among them at the weekend.
On Sunday night, the Grammy award-winning songstress made a surprise appearance at a Lorde-themed night at Mary’s Underground nightclub, delighting unsuspecting fans.
“Lorde appearing at Mary’s Underground in Sydney tonight was not on my 2025 bingo card but I fear I’ve won,” a user posted on TikTok.
Footage shows the 28-year-old singer belting out her own lyrics and dancing with fans to a Girl, so confusing remix with Charli XCX. At one point, she gets behind the DJ decks while fans dance around her, using their phones to create a giant spotlight.
“We’re officially in the L4 era, so it’s only right we throw a party for our true Lorde and saviour!” Mary’s Underground wrote on Instagram.
The surprise appearance comes after the singer announced her new album, Virgin, and Ultrasound Tour.
The album, her first in four years, is out on June 27 while the tour kicks off in September with a series of US and European venues. No Australian dates have been announced as yet.
Random appearances and pop-up concerts have become a popular marketing tool for Lorde. Last month, the singer surprised her fans and told them to “Meet me in the park. Tonight 7pm.”
Hundreds of young people descended on Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village, New York, creating a festive atmosphere, with Lorde songs blasting, some people smoking marijuana and several climbing trees for a better view of a concert that did not happen.
Just before 7pm, Lorde posted an Instagram story confirming that the planned show would not proceed.
“Omg @thepark the cops are shutting us down,” she wrote. “I am truly Amazed by how many of you showed up!!! But they’re telling me you gotta disperse … I’m so sorry.”
A spokesperson for the Parks and Recreation Department confirmed that the city had blocked the show from proceeding because it lacked permits. However, some fans ignored instructions to leave and were eventually rewarded.
Lorde showed up and climbed onto a small platform and danced as a speaker played What Was That while fans danced and cheered around her.
Can we expect a surprise concert in Melbourne any time soon? We’ll keep our eyes peeled.
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