A massive crowd flooded Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana beach on Saturday as pop icon Lady Gaga performed a spectacular free concert, drawing over two million fans, reports CNN.
Guests began lining up early Saturday morning to secure prime spots for the show, which was funded by local authorities. Organizers estimated the crowd at around 2.1 million people.
One fan, Lucas, told the media that he thinks the concert attracted a bigger audience than the one put on by Madonna a year ago on the world-famous seafront.
“I feel the city is more crowded this time, but I’m very excited”, said the filmmaker.
Many fans, which the star refers to as her “Little Monsters,” had dressed up in Gaga-themed costumes, referencing major hits like “Poker Face,” “Born This Way” and “Bad Romance.”
Lady Gaga’s trip to Brazil is part of a global tour to promote “Mayhem,” her new album. The genre-hopping singer and actor, 39, was in Mexico City last week, where she played two concerts.
The night before the Rio concert, the pop star surprised beachgoers on Copacabana by taking the stage for a rehearsal.
“I’ve missed you so much”, she said between applause, 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 breaking into “Alejandro.”
On Saturday night, while walking towards the stage, Abril, an Argentine tourist, told CNN affiliate CNN Brazil about the big moment.
“The truth is that the energy here in Copacabana is incredible,” Abril said. “Rio is incredible and it always lends itself to parties and magical moments.”
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
