Free Madonna show in Brazil on Copacabana beach, in Rio, attracts more than 1.5 million fans
- By Noor Nanji
- Culture reporter
Madonna performed a free concert in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday night, with crowds of fans flocking to see the pop idol on Brazil’s famous Copacabana beach.
“Rio, here we are in the most beautiful place in the world”, she declared, at the beginning of the presentation.
The show was the final stop on the 65-year-old singer’s Celebration Tour, celebrating her 40 years in music.
It is estimated that more than 1.5 million fans attended the show.
“Are you ready?” Madonna posted to her Instagram account seven hours before the show.
Image source, Getty Images
Crowds of fans were seen dancing to Madonna’s songs played from the stage’s speakers, hours before the American superstar’s arrival.
In what many called a “historic” show, Madonna wowed the audience with numerous changes of scenery, costumes and light displays.
The signatory sang some of her biggest hits, including Nothing Really Matters, Like a Prayer and Vogue, and at one point was accompanied on stage by Brazilian singer Anitta.
Image source, Getty Images
There were big screens located along the beach, to ensure that the mostly Brazilian public could follow the event as it unfolded. There was also a large police presence to ensure the safety of everyone present.
T-shirts, souvenirs and billboards featuring Madonna’s face adorned the neighborhood as excitement built ahead of the show.
Since bursting onto the UK charts with Holiday in 1984, Madonna has scored a further 71 hits, including 13 number one singles.
Some, like Vogue, Like A Prayer and Ray of Light, are era-defining anthems. Others, like Live To Tell and Don’t Tell Me, are fan favorites.
Image source, Getty Images
Last year, the superstar was found unconscious in her New York apartment in June and rushed to hospital, where she was treated for a serious bacterial infection.
But she has since returned with a vengeance and her tour has been marked by her characteristically energetic performances.
The show in Rio was the final touch of a tour comprising 80 shows across Europe and North America.
