Madonna, 65, performs a legendary show in Rio de Janeiro in front of 1.5 million people

Sex, drugs and Rock’n’Roll for the “Queen of Pop”. This Sunday, May 5, everyone is (already) talking about Madonna’s legendary concert, given the day before on a Copacabana beach, in Rio de Janeiro. An open-air show, entry was free for all fans and other curious people, welcoming, in total, nearly 1.5 million people. The 65-year-old singer delivered a show that some describe as “impressive”, “historic”, “monumental”: as much for the energy and vitality of the latter, as for the universe exposed: hits , sex, religious symbols, messy outfit changes, explosive choreography. Moreover, it would be the biggest show of the singer’s career, reported AFP, as “the immense beach was packed with people and the fervent crowd (…) Dozens of boats had approached to enjoy a breathtaking view.”

An ode to joy

Before discovering each other, the pressure increased for a good hour with the passage of several DJs, including the famous Diplo. Then, to thunderous applause, Madonna approached the stage to begin the first notes of Nothing Really Matters, a hymn to resilience released in 1998. “Here we are, Rio, the most beautiful place in the world!”, she whispered into her microphone in front of all the Brazilians. The latter knows the country well, she likes to stay at the legendary Copacabana Palace, a haven of peace and luxury for Hollywood stars where she has established her family quarters. Note that Brazil is living in a particular political context with the takeover of Jair Bolsonaro, a politician from the conservative right, after the Covid-19 pandemic, then with the return of Lula, a year ago, a historic figure. of the left-wing workers’ party. The Brazilian flag thus did not leave the stage.

This also unfolded a gigantic stage of almost 800 m2. The American diva also gathered around her dozens of dancers as well as children, also called on several hits to participate in the show. Obviously, Madonna let all these inspirations come and go, between mystical or cabaret decor, and was joined by the Brazilian drag queen Pabllo Vittar, when singing her famous piece Vogue.

293 million reais

“When I was nine years old, my older sister, who died last year, gave me my first walkman with the cassette of Like a Virgin“, declared a 48-year-old woman in the audience, reports AFP. Since then we haven’t stopped listening to it. For this reason, coming here is linked for us to our relationship between sisters. Because Madonna’s music unites and excites crowds. The show also generated 293 million reais (53 million euros) for the local economy, estimated the town hall, to the delight of the small traders on the beach.

This concert thus closed in style Madonna’s tour called “The Celebration Tour”, toured to celebrate her 40-year career. After 80 concerts in Europe, North America and Mexico, Madonna was in better shape than ever. Indeed, the latter, aged 65, suffered a serious bacterial infection last year, forcing her to spend several days in intensive care in June 2023. Enough to command admiration.