Lifestyle
Madonna enthralls 1.6 million at free beach concert in Brazil
More than a million people thronged Brazil's Copacabana beach for a free Madonna concert on Saturday, braving the heat to see the end of her Celebration world tour. The sand and oceanfront boulevard around Rio de Janeiro's famed beach were filled for several blocks by a crowd the city estimated at 1.6 million.
Many had been there for hours or even days to get a good spot, while richer fans anchored in dozens of boats near the beach and onlookers crowded beachfront apartments.
Firefighters sprayed water before the concert, when temperatures exceeded 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), to cool fans gathered near the pop queen's stage, and drinking water was distributed for free. Temperatures were around 27 C (81 F) during the late night show.
Madonna, 65, performed songs such as Like a Prayer, Vogue and Express Yourself for over two hours from 10:45pm (0145 GMT on Sunday) as she wound up the greatest hits tour that started late last year.
“Rio, here we are, in the most beautiful place in the world, with the ocean, the mountains, Jesus,” Madonna told the crowd, referring to the city's huge mountaintop Christ the Redeemer statue. “Magic.” Brazilian pop artists Anitta and Pabllo Vittar, as well as younger musicians from samba schools, participated in the show.
More than 3,000 police officers were deployed around the concert area, where the Rolling Stones and Rod Stewart have also drawn million-strong crowds. The authorities used a crowd-management strategy similar to their handling of the city's famous New Year's Eve celebrations.
Brazilian authorities have stepped up their vigilance over heat-related health problems after a young Brazilian fan died at a concert by Taylor Swift last year due to heat exhaustion.
Rio's state and city governments said they spent 20 million reais ($3.9 million) on the concert, while the rest was financed by private sponsors. The authorities estimate the concert could bring about 300 million reais to Rio's economy.
Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.
-
Lifestyle2m ago
Lamz.Screen Sparks: Bai Ling and Jason Statham’s Intense Showdown in ‘Crank: High Pressure
-
Lifestyle1h ago
14 Brave Souls Celebrate the Beauty of Breastfeeding in Striking Photo Series -zedd
-
Lifestyle1h ago
Taylor Swift doubles up on Versace accessories for Lake Como boat ride with Travis Kelce
-
Lifestyle3h ago
trangk6.Extraordinary Discovery: Unveiling the Fascinating Tale of a Baby with Alien-Like Features Captivating the World
-
Lifestyle3h ago
hq. “Tender Innocence: A 4-Month-Old Infant with an Endearing Fang Captures Hearts, Evoking Compassion and Affection.”
-
Lifestyle5h ago
“Danya Hurtado: Graceful Curves That Define Elegance”
-
Lifestyle5h ago
“Mahryahh Stuns in a Ravishing Red Swimsuit”
-
Lifestyle5h ago
Тhis is whаt it mеаns if yоu find а “blеасh” sроt оn yоur undеrwеаr