Madonna hosted a free concert on Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Copacabana beach on Saturday, drawing a massive crowd eager to see the music legend.
“Rio, here we are in the most beautiful place in the world,” she exclaimed as the concert began.
This event marked the culmination of her Celebration Tour, which honored her four decades in the music industry.
It’s estimated that over 1.6 million fans attended the performance.
“Are you ready?” Madonna asked on her Instagram, posting seven hours prior to the concert.
Fans danced to her hits being played over the stage speakers long before the American icon took the stage.
Described by many as a “historic” concert, Madonna wowed the audience with numerous set and costume changes along with elaborate light shows.
She performed some of her biggest hits such as Nothing Really Matters, Like a Prayer, and Vogue, and at one point, Brazilian singer Anitta joined her onstage.
Large screens were set up along the beach to allow the predominantly Brazilian audience to watch the proceedings. Some viewed the event from nearby apartments and hotels, while others watched from boats.
A significant police presence was on hand to ensure everyone’s safety.
The local area was adorned with T-shirts, souvenirs, and billboards featuring Madonna’s image, adding to the pre-concert excitement.
Since her first hit, Holiday, in 1984, Madonna has accumulated 71 chart entries, including 13 number one singles. Some, like Vogue, Like a Prayer, and Ray of Light, have become defining anthems of their times, while others, such as Live To Tell and Don’t Tell Me, remain fan favorites.
Last year, Madonna was discovered unconscious in her New York apartment and was urgently hospitalized for a severe bacterial infection. However, she has recovered fully and her tour has been characterized by her typically dynamic performances.
The Rio concert served as the grand finale of an 80-show tour spanning Europe and North America.
