© picture alliance / NurPhoto | Gerardo Vieyra
In Rio de Janeiro (and by extension throughout Brazil and all of South America), mega-concerts have been a regular occurrence for some time, but what Shakira performed last Saturday was not ordinary. The Colombian superstar drew as many as 2 million people to a free concert on Copacabana.
Since last February, Shakira has been touring around the world with her tour Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran (Women Cry No More). Her concert in Rio was the biggest the now 49-year-old singer has ever given. "I came here when I was 18, with the dream of singing for you. And now look at it. Life is magical," said the singer, who included hits such as "Hips Don't Lie," "Waka Waka" and "Whenever, Wherever" in her set list.
Two years ago at Copacabana, Madonna closed her Celebration tour: more than 1.6 million people attended. In 2025, Lady Gaga did even better: she was able to attract some 2.5 million fans to the famous beach for a free concert.
Rio de Janeiro is fully committed to mega concerts on the Copacabana beach. Rolling Stone reports that the government is counting on Shakira fans to provide $150 to $160 million (128 to 136 million euros) in music tourism revenue.
© picture alliance / NurPhoto | Gerardo Vieyra