Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — Lady Gaga captivated a record crowd during her free concert at Copacabana Beach on Saturday night, marking a significant moment in the history of live music. More than 2.1 million fans attended the event, which Gaga referred to as a historic occasion for both herself and the attendees.

Kicking off shortly after 10 p.m., the pop superstar began her performance with “Bloody Mary,” setting the tone for an electrifying set that included iconic tracks like “Poker Face” and “Alejandro.” The concert also featured songs from her latest album, Mayhem, which recently topped the Billboard 200.

This event broke the record for the highest attendance at a concert by a female artist, surpassing Madonna’s previous record of 1.6 million at the same venue in 2024. However, the overall largest concert attendance remains with Rod Stewart, who reportedly drew 3.5 million fans to a New Year’s Eve performance in 1994 at Copacabana Beach.

The concert attracted over 1 million local fans, along with approximately 500,000 international visitors, contributing an estimated $100,000 to the local economy. The city’s tourism department has plans to continue hosting free concerts at Copacabana Beach until at least 2028, following the overwhelming turnout for Gaga’s performance.

This marked Gaga’s return to Brazil after her last performance there in 2012, a poignant moment for the artist who expressed deep appreciation for her fans. “I’ve missed you so much,” she said during a soundcheck the night before, capturing the close bond she shares with her Brazilian audience.

Earlier in her career, Gaga had to cancel a highly anticipated performance at the Rock in Rio festival in 2017 due to health issues, making this concert even more meaningful for her and her fans.

After the performance, Gaga took to Instagram to reflect on the experience, stating how deeply she felt connected to the vibrant culture of Brazil. “Nothing could prepare me for the feeling I had during last night’s show," she wrote, sharing her gratitude for sharing such an unforgettable moment with the crowd.

While the concert was a spectacular celebration, it was not without its challenges. Authorities announced the arrest of two individuals just hours before the event, thwarting an alleged plot to carry out an attack at the venue. Police stated that those apprehended had reportedly been planning coordinated attacks using improvised explosives.

Gaga’s representatives confirmed that the artist and her team were unaware of any threats until media reports emerged after the concert. They expressed gratitude for the collaboration with law enforcement during the event, stating that both Gaga and her team felt secure throughout the concert.

The spectacular event not only solidified Lady Gaga’s status as a global music icon but also showcased the unifying power of music as a celebration of culture and resilience. The night at Copacabana Beach will be remembered as a landmark event in both Gaga’s career and the history of live performances in Brazil.