Lady Gaga draws 2.1 million fans at Copacabana concert

Lady Gaga performed a record-breaking free concert on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, drawing an estimated crowd of over two million fans in her largest show to date and marking her first performance in Brazil since 2012. The event was part of Rio's ongoing initiative to boost economic activity during the low tourism season, with city officials expecting the concert to inject over $100 million into the local economy. Gaga's dynamic performance included classic hits and elaborate costumes, including one in the colors of the Brazilian flag, creating a vibrant atmosphere among her fans, known as 'Little Monsters.' The massive security operation for the event included thousands of officers, drones, and facial recognition cameras. Officials noted this concert surpassed the crowd size of Madonna's previous record at the same venue, and the city plans to continue hosting similar large-scale free concerts annually through at least 2028. The success of Gaga's show highlights a trend toward free mega-concerts as a way for cities and artists to engage fans and stimulate local economies.