A breathtaking sea of fans flooded Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Copacabana Beach on Saturday as pop superstar Lady Gaga delivered a monumental free concert, attracting over two million enthusiastic attendees. This sensational event, funded by local authorities, saw guests lining up from the early hours of the morning, eager to secure prime spots for the highly anticipated show.
Organizers estimated that approximately 2.1 million revelers filled the beach, making it one of the largest concerts in recent history. One excited fan, Lucas, shared his thoughts with CNN, suggesting that this concert may have drawn an even larger crowd than the one featuring Madonna the previous year. “I feel the city is more crowded this time, but I’m very excited,” said Lucas, a filmmaker.
Lady Gaga's dedicated fanbase, affectionately known as her “Little Monsters,” showed their love by donning extravagant costumes inspired by the pop icon's greatest hits, including “Poker Face,” “Born This Way,” and “Bad Romance.” This vibrant display of fandom contributed to the unique atmosphere of the concert, amplifying the excitement among attendees.
The concert in Rio de Janeiro is part of Lady Gaga’s extensive global tour to promote her latest album, “Mayhem.” The multi-talented singer and actress, now 39 years old, had just performed two concerts in Mexico City the week prior, showcasing her ability to captivate audiences worldwide.
In a delightful surprise for beachgoers, the night before the concert, Lady Gaga took the stage at Copacabana for a rehearsal. “I’ve missed you so much,” she expressed, receiving a warm round of applause during her first performance in Brazil since 2012. “I know that this is not the first show here, I know this is just a rehearsal, it feels like it’s the real show,” she added before launching into a rendition of “Alejandro.”
As the concert commenced on Saturday night, fans like Abril, an Argentine tourist, shared their experiences with CNN affiliate CNN Brazil. “The truth is that the energy here in Copacabana is incredible,” Abril remarked. “Rio is incredible and it always lends itself to parties and magical moments.” The collective excitement and joy among the audience highlighted the cultural significance of the event in Rio de Janeiro.
Lady Gaga's free concert at Copacabana Beach not only showcased her musical talent but also brought together a diverse crowd, creating unforgettable memories for fans and solidifying her status as a global pop icon.