Lady Gaga Concert in Rio: 2.1 Million Attend
Lady Gaga Draws Massive Crowd to Rio’s Copacabana Beach
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — An estimated 2.1 million fans flocked to Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday for a free Lady Gaga concert, local authorities reported.The massive crowd began gathering early in the morning, eager to secure prime viewing spots for the performance.
The concert, funded by local government, drew comparisons to Madonna’s previous show on the same iconic beachfront. “I think the concert attracted a bigger audience than the one put on by Madonna a year ago,” said Lucas, a fan who spoke to CNN.Enthusiastic fans, known as “Little Monsters,” donned elaborate Gaga-inspired costumes, referencing iconic looks from hits like “Poker Face,” “Born This way,” and “Bad Romance.”
Gaga’s performance in Brazil is part of her global tour promoting her new album, ”Mayhem.” the 39-year-old singer and actress recently performed two concerts in Mexico city.
The pop star surprised beachgoers the night before the main event with an impromptu rehearsal. “I’ve missed you so much,” she told the crowd during her first performance in Brazil since 2012. “I know that this is not the first show here, I know this is just a rehearsal, it feels like it’s the real show,” she added before launching into “Alejandro.”
Abril, an Argentine tourist, expressed her excitement to CNN Brazil as she made her way to the stage on Saturday night. “The truth is that the energy here in Copacabana is amazing,” Abril said. “Rio is incredible and it always lends itself to parties and magical moments.”