Madonna drew a staggering crowd of 1.6 million to a free event at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro.
More than four decades into an already enviable music career, Madonna played her biggest show to date on Saturday, May 4.
The American pop star (who has taken clear inspiration from dance music over the years) performed at a free concert on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro as the final stop on her Celebration tour. Joining her were 1.6 million revelers, according to city estimates.
Some who waited at the venue for hours or even days to stand before her on the sand at the foot of the stage, flanked by the ocean on one side and mountains on the other. Others watched from their apartments, or from boats anchored just off the shoreline per The Guardian.
“Here we are in the most beautiful place in the world,” Madonna, whose full name is Madonna Louise Ciccone, told the crowd. “This place is magic.”
Her 26-song setlist started with “Nothing Really Matters,” the final single from her 1998 album Ray of Light. It segued into classics such as “Like a Virgin” and “Vogue,” the latter of which saw her joined on stage by Brazilian singer-songwriter Anitta. Two hours after she took the stage, Madonna wrapped up her performance with a rendition of “Isn’t It a Pity” by the late George Harrison.
Madonna famously dropped out of the University of Michigan and moved to New York City with $35 to her name in 1978. She got her first taste of the entertainment business as a disco backup singer and dancer before joining the band Breakfast Club as a vocalist and instrumentalist.
She released her debut single, “Everybody,” in 1982, and delivered her self-titled debut album the following year. Prior to Saturday, Madonna’s most-attended show took place at Parc de Sceaux in Paris on the Who’s That Girl World Tour in 1987.
Copacabana, the beachside Rio de Janeiro venue, is known for unprecedented showings. It’s recognized by the Guinness World Records for hosting Rod Stewart‘s 1994 concert, which is considered the most-attended free rock concert at 4.2 million attendees.
