Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s Copacabana Beach was transformed into a vast dance floor on Saturday night, May 4, 2024, as Madonna held a free concert. The concert wrapped up The Celebration Tour, which began in London in October 2023.
The pop icon started the evening with her 1998 hit “Nothing Really Matters,” eliciting loud cheers from the crowd. Fans also gathered in nearby brightly lit apartments and hotels to enjoy the show, while helicopters, drones, motorboats, and sailboats added to the lively atmosphere.
Madonna, 65, expressed her love for Rio, calling it “the most beautiful place in the world.” She highlighted its natural beauty and iconic landmarks, such as the Christ the Redeemer statue. The setlist included timeless hits like “Like A Virgin” and “Hung Up.” A notable moment was when Madonna, draped in a black cape and holding a rosary, introduced “Like A Prayer.”
During her performance of “Live to Tell,” Madonna honored those who had passed away from AIDS with a backdrop of black and white photos, adding a solemn note to the evening. She was also joined on stage by Brazilian artists Anitta and Pabllo Vittar, adding a local flavor to the concert.
The excitement had been building in Rio for days in anticipation of the concert. According to Brazilian news portal G1, an estimated 1.6 million people attended, crushing Madonna’s previous record attendance. The concert has been celebrated as the biggest in her four-decade career.
Locals and fans from afar showed enthusiasm, with preparations visible all around the city and near the Copacabana Palace Hotel, where Madonna stayed. Echoing the sentiment was 69-year-old Rosemary de Oliveira Bohrer, who dressed in homage to the pop star and expressed her excitement for an “unforgettable show.” Another fan, Ana Beatriz Soares, reflected on the pop queen’s lasting influence on pop music, emphasizing Madonna’s trailblazing role for today’s artists.
The concert setup included 18 sound towers to ensure everyone could enjoy the music, with the show starting nearly 50 minutes behind the scheduled time. The event’s impact on Rio was significant, with a city report estimating a $57 million boost to the local economy. Hotels in Copacabana expected nearly full occupancy, and the international airport prepared for an influx of visitors.
The event prompted comparisons to other large concerts in Copacabana, such as Rod Stewart’s 1994 New Year’s Eve performance. Security was a priority, with a significant police and military presence to ensure the safety of attendees.
