MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Over 2 million people fill Rio's Copacabana Beach to see Lady Gaga

The event clearly surpassed Madonna's 1.6 attendees

Lady Gaga's historic free concert at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday evening and early Sunday morning attracted around 2.1 million attendees, surpassing the previous record set by Madonna in 2024 (1.6 million people). The show had been highly anticipated, especially since Gaga last performed in Brazil in 2012.

“Nothing could prepare me for what I felt during the show last night - the absolute pride and joy I felt singing for the people of Brazil. Seeing the multidão during my first music show was a huge blow to my heart,” the singer wrote Sunday.

The initial estimate by Rio's City Council was that the audience of 1.6 million would be repeated, but the organizers were surprised by the search of the fans. Lady Gaga was to return to Rio in 2017 but had to cancel due to health problems (fibromyalgia).

Along the Copacabana beach, 16 towers with nine-meter-high by five-meter-long screens were installed, allowing the public to follow the presentation. The free show was sponsored by private companies with the support of the state government and the municipality of Rio de Janeiro. According to the City Hall, the event left some R$ 600 (US$ 104.85 million) to Rio in hotel, restaurant, and transport spending.

“I am so honored to be here with you tonight. My heart is overflowing. I feel lucky, proud, and deeply grateful. Tonight, we are making history. But no one makes history today. Without all of you, the incredible people of Brazil, I would not live through this moment. Thank you for making history with me. The people of Brazil are the reason why I can shine. You are as vibrant and as beautiful as the sun and the water rising over the ocean, right here on Copacabana beach,” Lady Gaga said.

“But, among all the things I could thank you for, the one that touches me the most is this: you waited for me, you waited for more than ten years. Maybe you are wondering why it took me so long to come back. The truth is that I was healing. I was getting stronger. But, while I was healing, something stronger was happening: you continued to be there, bending for me, you continued to ask me to come back, when I was ready. Brazil, I am ready!,” she added.

“I love you. I thank you for waiting. I thank you for receiving me back with so much kindness and open arms. Today at night, I want to help you. I want the world to see how great your heart is and to be inspired by your spirit,” she went on.

“So, tonight, I am going to give it all of me. Let's make this the most incredible show we have ever shared. Let's make every second of waiting worth it. I loved you ten years ago. And I love you tonight. Thank you, Brazil. I love you forever!,” she told her fans.

According to local authorities, 795 people needed medical attention during Lady Gaga's show between Saturday afternoon and early Sunday morning at health posts set up by the Municipal Health Department on Avenida Atlântica, Copacabana beach. A total of 110 healthcare professionals were deployed, including doctors, nurses, and 30 ambulances. Of the total number of patients, 73 required more complex care and were transferred to hospitals or regional emergency centers.

The Fire Brigade carried out 330 rescue operations of beachgoers throughout Saturday in Copacabana, compared to 30 recorded drownings during Madonna's show.

About half a dozen people were arrested by the 3.3 thousand law enforcement troops who seized some apprehended 251 sharp objects. Others were detained for theft. In addition, the Civil Police said an attack with improvised explosives was prevented. After the event, 392 tons of garbage were swept by cleaning crews. (Source: Agencia Brasil)