She has been known as the Queen of Pop throughout her decades-long career.
And on Saturday night, Madonna reminded the world why — drawing a record crowd of 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 and captioned it: “Blame it on Rio.” Thank you, Brazil!!
Such was the attention of the pop legend, who went back in time by appearing in iconic outfits including a suit and negligee, bringing the city to a standstill due to crowds.
The number of people who attended the event – her latest round of global celebrations – was four or five times the population of some small countries, including Iceland and Barbados.
The 65-year-old’s free concert saw the beach turn into a huge dance floor. There was a carnival atmosphere, without incident, as crowds descended in large numbers to celebrate her hits, including Holiday and Like A Virgin.
The turnout for Rio exceeded the previous record attendance of 130,000 fans at Parc des Sceus in Paris in 1987 by more than tenfold.
During the show, Madonna, who was joined on stage by special guests including Diplo, Anita, Pablo Vittar and Bob the Drag Queen, gushed: “We’re here in the most beautiful place in the world.” This place is magical.
She also had her usual controversial moments, including grabbing a dancer and kissing her passionately.
The star looked the part in a fitted catsuit with mirrored sunglasses and matching gloves.
For one outfit change, she wore a red and black lace negligee, and in a tribute to her soccer-mad country, she donned a Brazilian soccer jersey to the delight of the packed crowd.
Many people dressed up for the occasion ranging from homemade cone bras like the bust of famous superstar Jean Paul Gaultier to blonde wigs and leather corsets.
Shortly before the show, the city’s tourism board, Visit Rio, alerted concert fans 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 historic show on Copacabana Beach.
“Madonna wraps up her Celebration Tour here in the great city, celebrating 40 years of her career with a show that promises to be her biggest.”