Madonna

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About 1.5 million people attended

Rio de Janeiro – (AFP)
American star Madonna performed a free concert on the famous Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, described as the biggest of her career spanning more than four decades, at the end of a world tour on dozens of countries.
It is difficult to determine the number of spectators at this concert, with estimates putting it at one and a half million people, and the large beach was full of people whose enthusiasm was ignited by the “Queen of Pop “. Dozens of boats also came to Copacabana to enjoy the magnificent view.
Madonna addressed the audience and said: “Here we are in Rio, the most beautiful place in the world,” before delighting the audience in the Brazilian city with the performance her for more than two hours.
Through this concert, which was described a few days ago as “historic,” the 65-year-old pop star completed the “Celebration” tour, in which she celebrated the fortieth anniversary of her career -to launch an artistic life, with all the wonderful things. musical works, enthusiasm, and scandals.
On the big stage, which had an area of ​​more than 800 square meters, Madonna reviewed the most important stages of her life and her changes in terms of music and clothes, from pop music to music electronic, with some inspiration from the music. of the cabaret world.
Famous guests also took part in Madonna’s concert, and she was surrounded by several of her children who joined her in music or dance, against the background of the Brazilian flag.
When she performed her hit song “Vogue,” she was joined on stage by Brazilian singer Anitta, who introduced the rest of the world to the funk of Rio de Janeiro’s slums.
The famous drag queen from Brazil, Pablo Vitar, and a group of child drummers from the city’s famous samba schools also took part in the ceremony.
Stardom across generations
Fans from different generations in the audience talked about Madonna’s role in their lives, and Alba and Roxy Rueda, two Argentinian sisters aged 48 and 46, bought plane tickets to Rio as soon as news of the concert spread months ago. Alba said: “When I was nine years old, my older sister, who died last year, gave me my first Walkman along with a cassette tape of ‘Like a Virgin+,’ the hit song which launched Madonna’s career. “Since then, we haven’t stopped listening to her,” she said. “For this reason, coming here for us is connected to our relationship as sisters. “
Then it was time for the “Queen” to leave her palace, which is the famous “Copacabana Palace” hotel, a haven of peace and luxury for Hollywood stars and pop stars for decades, where Madonna and her family have been to live from the beginning of the world. the week. Madonna walked on the walkway specially prepared for this event, which took her directly to the stage.
In this event, the police were strongly present, on almost every street in a neighborhood that regularly sees several crimes, but also in the air through helicopters and drones that were flying in the sky event.
After 80 concerts in Europe, North America and Mexico, the Rio de Janeiro show is the end of Madonna’s world tour, but it is also a challenge, after a bacterial infection put the singer in intensive care in June 2023, disturbing his fans around the world. world
In front of the Copacabana Palace, and along the beach, where souvenir sellers displayed items related to Madonna and increased their stock and prices, the atmosphere seemed festive in the last few days, noting the atmosphere of the Rio Carnival, which was held about three months ago. .
Three planes with 270 tons of equipment landed in Rio de Janeiro for use in the concert of the American star, who is used to brilliant, high-definition shows.
The concert was a major event for the city of Rio, as its contribution to the local economy was estimated at 293 million Brazilian reais (about 58 million dollars), according to the calculations of the Municipality of Rio de Janeiro, which participated in the costs. of the event with 20 million reais out of a total cost estimated at 60 million.