The New York City Police Department shut down a surprise performance by pop star Lorde, which would've promoted the New Zealand singer-songwriter's new song "What Was That" for fans who gathered in droves inside the city's Washington Square Park.

However, it turns out Lorde didn’t get a permit for this particular gathering, and the event was promptly shut down by police. “A sound and parks permit is required to have a concert in a New York City Park,” an NYPD officer told Vulture. “This individual did not possess either.”

Just over two weeks since Lorde released a 15-second snippet of what appeared to be a new song, the singer dropped the full version on April 24 — her new single titled "What Was That." The music video for the track shows Lorde walking around New York City, culminating in clips filmed from her appearance in Washington Square Park on Tuesday evening.

Lorde has released her new song, “What Was That,” the first single from her upcoming fourth studio album.

Lorde has released her first new solo song in nearly four years, 'What Was That,' featuring video footage from her performance in New York on Tuesday.