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.

"The cops are shutting us down I am truly Amazed by how many of you showed up !!!" the singer wrote on social media.

Singer seemingly teased an event in Washington Square Park, but cops told fans to leave as they swarmed the area