Madonna Performs to 1.6 Million People at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro

Saturday night's free Madonna concert at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro drew 1.6 million people, her greatest crowd ever.

1.6 million people attended Madonna's free concert. In 2006, The Rolling Stones performed for a record 1.5 million attendees at the arena.

Many waited hours or days for a decent place, while affluent fans anchored in scores of boats near the beach as observers jammed beachside apartments.

Before the show, firefighters sprayed spectators near the pop queen's stage with water to cool them off. Free water was also offered. Late night show temperatures were 81 F (27 C).

The Celebration Tour featured Madonna's biggest singles like "Just Like A Prayer," "Nothing Really Matters," and "Music." Madonna performed in Brazil for the first time since 2012.

The show featured Brazilian pop stars Anitta and Pabllo Vittar and samba school students.

Madonna began her Celebration Tour at London's O2 Arena in October 2023. Special guests Andy Cohen, Kelly Ripa, Cardi B, Pamela Anderson, and Julia Garner joined the North American tour in December 2023.