Madonna ended her global retrospective tour with a spectacular free concert at Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Copacabana Beach, attracting an enormous crowd of 1.6 million fans, as reported by Deadline. This historic event not only marked the end of her tour, which started in October of the previous year, but also celebrated four decades of her influential presence in pop music.
The concert kicked off with Madonna performing her 1998 hit “Nothing Really Matters,” followed by a string of her most beloved songs, including “Like a Virgin,” “Hung Up,” and “Like a Prayer.” The show featured electrifying guest appearances from Brazilian superstars Anitta and Pabllo Vittar, adding a local flavor to the global icon’s performance.
The turnout at Copacabana Beach was monumental, matching the scale of major events the venue has witnessed in the past. To put it in perspective, the Rolling Stones drew 1.2 million people to the same location in 2006, and Rod Stewart holds the record for the largest free rock concert ever with 4 million attendees in 1994 — although that number was likely bolstered by the New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Madonna’s concert at Copacabana Beach is now recorded as one of her largest live audiences since her 1987 performance in Paris, which drew 130,000 fans. This monumental event underscores her enduring appeal and the timeless resonance of her music across generations.