Ciara knows how to keep her fans on their toes, and recently, she did so again by turning a Red Lobster in Times Square, New York City, into the ultimate album release party.
The Grammy-winning artist released her long-awaited album, CiCi, on Friday, August 22, and decided to celebrate with the people who have supported her since “Goodies” first made waves back in 2004.
The new project comes via her independent label, Beauty Mark Entertainment, and marks another milestone in Ciara’s creative freedom. After teasing fans with the CiCi EP in 2023—which featured hits like “How We Roll” with Chris Brown and “Forever” with Lil Baby—she returned with a full-length project that includes features from Chris Brown, Big Freedia, Tyga, BossMan Dlow, Latto, Jazze Pha, Busta Rhymes, Normani, Lil Baby, and Teyana Taylor.
When asked about her inspiration, the singer explained, “My biggest inspiration for CiCi has always been the fans. They’ve been with me through every season, so I wanted to create an album that feels like pure energy and pure joy.” She added that the album took six years of work and is all about fun, freedom, and celebrating every piece of who she is.
The Red Lobster connection wasn’t random either. “Red Lobster has always been a go-to for me,” Ciara shared. “Russell and I even had one of our first dates there!”
She leaned into the nostalgia with an exclusive off-menu item—CiCi’s combo, featuring the Sailor’s Seafood Boil with Roasted Garlic and Cajun Butter. The chain’s iconic Cheddar Bay Biscuits were also in heavy rotation throughout the event.
Fans at the surprise party were treated to seafood favorites, including fried shrimp, hush puppies, and calamari, while Ciara performed and mingled.
Surrounded by her husband, New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson, and their kids, the singer made it clear this release was just as much about family and community as it was about music.
As for what’s next? Ciara teased the CiCi Tour, promising, “I can’t wait to get up close and in person with my fans all over the world.”