Two million people attend free Lady Gaga concert in Brazil

Two million people attend free Lady Gaga concert in Brazil
Singer Lady Gaga performs in Brazil. PHOTO/Billboard Brasil
In Summary

Saturday's performance was part of a promotional tour for Lady Gaga's eighth album, 'Mayhem'

More than two million people have attended a free Lady Gaga concert on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, city officials say.

According to the BBC, the pop star's biggest ever concert was paid for by the city in an attempt to revitalise Rio's economy.

They expect it could bring in $100m (Sh12.9 billion) to the local economy.

Saturday's performance was part of a promotional tour for Lady Gaga's eighth album, 'Mayhem', whose songs include Abracadabra and Die With a Smile. She last performed in Brazil in 2012.

Some fans - known as Gaga's "Little Monsters" - began queuing early in the morning and waited in long lines to gain access to the beach.

A massive security operation was in place, with 5,000 police officers on duty and attendees having to pass through metal detectors. The authorities also used drones and facial recognition cameras to help police the event.

Lady Gaga is not the first person to play a free concert in Rio. Madonna gave a concert on Copacabana beach in May 2024, which was also paid for by the city.

"You waited for me, you waited for more than 10 years for me," an emotional Lady Gaga told the crowds as she unfurled a Brazilian flag.

"Brazil, I'm ready. I'm going to give it my all."

The pop star appeared in Brazil-themed costumes for some of her acts, with outfits inspired by the national football team.

Thousands sang along with her best known hits including 'Alejandro', 'Poker Face' and 'Abracadabra', creating an electric atmosphere as many waved rainbow-themed fans and watched on huge screens along the beach.

Fans travelled from all across the country to see the grandiose performance.

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