Throughout her decades-long career, she has been known as the Queen of Pop.
And on Saturday night, Madonna reminded the world exactly why that is: she drew a record 1.6 million fans to an epic concert on Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach.
The Vogue hitmaker took to Instagram yesterday with a clip from the history-making show, captioning it: ‘Blame it on Rio. Thank you, Brazil!!”
Such was the interest in the pop legend, who rolled back the years by appearing in signature daring outfits including a catsuit and negligee, that the city was brought to a standstill by the crowds.
Madonna has been known as the Queen of Pop throughout her decades-long career
On Saturday night, Madonna reminded the world exactly why that is: she drew a record 1.6 million fans to an epic concert on Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach.
The Vogue hitmaker took to Instagram yesterday with a clip from the history-making show, captioning it: ‘Blame it on Rio. Thank you, Brazil!!” In the photo: Madonna with dancer
The number of people who turned out for the event – the last of her Celebration world tour – was equal to four to five times the population of some small countries, including Iceland and Barbados.
During the 65-year-old’s free concert, the beach turned into a gigantic dance floor. There was a carnival atmosphere, reportedly without incident, as the crowd turned out en masse to party to her iconic songs including Holiday and Like A Virgin.
The attendance in Rio more than tenfold eclipsed her previous record attendance of 130,000 fans at the Parc des Sceaux in Paris in 1987.
During the show, Madonna, who was joined on stage by special guests Diplo, Anitta, Pabllo Vittar and Bob the Drag Queen, said: “Here we are in the most beautiful place in the world. This place is magical.’
She also had her usual controversial moments, including passionately grabbing and kissing a dancer.
The number of people who turned out for the event – the last of her Celebration world tour – was equal to four to five times the population of some small countries, including Iceland and Barbados.
During the 65-year-old’s free concert, the beach turned into a gigantic dance floor. There was a carnival atmosphere, reportedly without incident, as the crowd turned out en masse to party to her iconic songs including Holiday and Like A Virgin.
The star looked sharp in a figure-hugging catsuit paired with reflective sunglasses and matching gloves.
In one costume change, she wore a red and black lace negligee and, in tribute to the football-mad country, donned a Brazilian football shirt, much to the delight of the crowd.
Many dressed up for the occasion in everything from homemade cone bras like the star’s iconic Jean Paul Gaultier bustier, blonde wigs and leather corsets.
Shortly before the performance, Visit Rio, the city’s tourism agency, had warned fans of the concert on social media, posting: ‘It’s time to get ready! On May 4, the Queen of Pop arrives in Rio de Janeiro for a free and historic show on Copacabana Beach.
“Madonna ends The Celebration Tour here in the Marvelous City, celebrating 40 years of her career with a show that promises to be her biggest.”
