Ellie Goulding Performs Surprise Pop-Up Concert at LACMA

Kyleen James

She sings about "Lights" and plays among a forest of them, too.

our editor recommends

Ellie Goulding’s 'Halcyon': What The Critics Are Saying

No Doubt Plays Surprise Set at Night 2 of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas

U.K. Reports Singles Sales Record, Album Sales Drop for 2012

One day before her headlining bow at Los Angeles’ famed Palladium, Ellie Goulding popped up for a surprise afternoon performance outside the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

The British singer-songwriter, whose 2010 hit “Lights” reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, performed a free concert for approximately 500 fans, who were asked to sit during the half-hour impromptu gig held at the museum grounds' popular lamp-post installation. Word spread solely through social media -- specifically, Goulding’s twitter account, which boasts more than a million followers. On Sunday, the 26-year-old tweeted, “Maaay or may not be doing a little pop-up acoustic show in LA tomorrow outside LACMA museum around 2 if anyone wants to hang out…”

PHOTOS: Grammys 2013: Red Carpet Arrivals

Goulding followed up Monday morning with another teaser, writing, “If you’re in LA and on your lunch break near LACMA I definitely won’t be there doing some songs around 2 pm…”

The power of Twitter was evident in the turnout, which surprised the singer herself. “I can’t believe there’s so many people here,” she said from the stage amid hundreds of lamp posts. “It’s a bit overwhelming. I feel like I’m going to cry.”

VIDEO: Grammys Crasher Jailed for On-Stage Adele Stunt

The singer invited the young, swelling crowd, many sporting Ray-Bans and heads half-shaved as a tribute to the artist in front of them, to “have a little sing-song.” She began the pop-up concert with “My Blood,” "Starry-Eyed" and “I Know You Care,” lesser-known tracks that nonetheless won over the audience.

Indeed, Goulding’s sense of unbridled honesty is wholly felt in her lyrics and it entranced the crowd which responded in kind with hoots, hollers and calls of, “We love you, Ellie!” By the time she got to the last song “Lights” -- which the singer introduced with a cheeky, “You know, that one!” -- her five-song set only left fans wanting more.

Twitter: @THRMusic

Kyleen James