She has been known as the Queen of Pop throughout her decades-long career.
And on Saturday night, Madonna reminded the world exactly why she is that way: drawing a record crowd of 1.6 million fans for an epic concert on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro.
The Vogue hitmaker took to Instagram yesterday with a clip from the historic show and captioned it: “Blame Rio.” Thank you Brazil!!’
Such was the interest in the pop legend, who rolled back the years by appearing in signature risqué outfits, including a catsuit and negligee, that the crowds brought the city to a standstill.
Madonna has been known as the Queen of Pop throughout her decades-long career.
On Saturday night, Madonna reminded the world exactly why she is that way: drawing a record crowd of 1.6 million fans for an epic concert on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro.
The Vogue hitmaker took to Instagram yesterday with a clip from the historic show and captioned it: “Blame Rio.” Thank you Brazil!!’ In the photo: Madonna with a dancer.
The number of people attending the event – the last of his Celebration world tour – was equivalent to four or five times the population of some small countries, including Iceland and Barbados.
At the 65-year-old’s free concert, the beach was transformed into a gigantic dance floor. There was a carnival-like atmosphere, seemingly without incident, as crowds descended en masse to party to their iconic songs, including Holiday and Like A Virgin.
Participation in Rio surpassed its previous attendance record of 130,000 fans at the Parc des Sceaux in Paris in 1987 by more than ten times.
During the show, Madonna, who was joined on stage by special guests including Diplo, Anitta, Pabllo Vittar and Bob the Drag Queen, gushed: ‘Here we are in the most beautiful place in the world. This place is magical.’
He also had his usual controversial moments, including passionately grabbing and kissing a dancer.
The number of people attending the event, the last of his Celebration world tour, was equivalent to four or five times the population of some small countries, including Iceland and Barbados.
At the 65-year-old’s free concert, the beach was transformed into a gigantic dance floor. There was a carnival-like atmosphere, seemingly without incident, as crowds descended en masse to party to their iconic songs, including Holiday and Like A Virgin.
The star looked the part in a tight-fitting catsuit paired with reflective sunglasses and matching gloves.
In a wardrobe change, she wore a red and black lace robe and, in a tribute to the soccer-mad country, she donned a Brazil soccer jersey to the delight of the large audience.
Many dressed for the occasion in everything from homemade conical 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 office, had alerted 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 historic and free show on Copacabana beach.
‘Madonna ends The Celebration Tour here in the Wonderful City, celebrating 40 years of her career with a show that promises to be the biggest.’
