RIO DE JANEIRO — Lady Gaga electrified more than 2 million fans Saturday night in a historic free concert on Copacabana Beach, transforming Rio de Janeiro’s iconic shoreline into one of the largest music venues in history.
The pop superstar opened her set around 10:10 p.m. local time with her 2011 track “Bloody Mary,” igniting thunderous cheers from the tightly packed audience. Many fans had waited on the sand since early morning under the scorching sun to secure prime spots, while others perched in trees for a better view of the stage. By nightfall, the beach swelled with over 2.1 million attendees, according to event organizers.
“Tonight, we’re making history,” Lady Gaga told the roaring crowd. “Thank you for making history with me.”
Performing a mix of global hits such as “Poker Face” and “Alejandro,” Gaga dazzled the audience in a series of elaborate costumes, including one styled in the colors of the Brazilian flag. The concert marked her return to Brazil for the first time since 2012, drawing visitors from across the country and around the world.
The enthusiasm for the pop icon sparked what local media dubbed “Gaga-mania,” with celebrations throughout Rio in the days leading up to the performance. City employees danced to her hit “LoveGame” in promotional videos, and a free exhibition showcasing her career quickly sold out. More than 500,000 tourists arrived in Rio ahead of the show, more than double initial forecasts, according to local transportation data.
For many fans, the concert was deeply emotional. “It’s surreal to be here,” said 27-year-old designer Manoela Dobes, wearing a dress printed with a photo of her 2019 encounter with Gaga in the U.S. Another fan, Ingrid Serrano, 30, traveled from Colombia, describing Gaga as a symbol of “total freedom of expression — being who one wants without shame.”
The event was not only a cultural phenomenon but also a significant economic driver. Rio City Hall estimated that the concert would inject at least $106 million into the city’s economy, part of a broader strategy to stimulate activity beyond traditional celebrations like Carnival and New Year’s Eve. The city plans to host similar free beachfront concerts every May through 2028.
To support the massive event, authorities deployed 3,300 military personnel, 1,500 police officers, and 400 firefighters across Copacabana. Sixteen sound towers lined the beach to ensure music reached the sprawling crowd. Security officials reported no major incidents.
This weekend’s turnout surpassed Madonna’s 2023 Copacabana concert, which drew 1.6 million fans. It also joined a legacy of record-setting performances on the beach, including Rod Stewart’s 1994 New Year’s Eve show, which attracted an estimated 4 million people — a Guinness World Record for the largest free rock concert.
Among Saturday night’s audience were fans still recalling the heartbreak of Gaga’s last-minute cancellation in 2017 due to health issues. “She’s the best artist in the world,” said 25-year-old Ricardo Filho. “It was worth the wait.”
