Lady Gaga has performed the biggest concert of her career.
The “Abracadrabra” singer held a free concert on Saturday night in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Copacabana Beach, and drew a record-breaking crowd of 2.5 million people.
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According to concert organizers, Gaga now holds the record for the highest-attended concert by a female artist in history – a record previously held by Madonna, who drew 1.6 million. During her performance, Gaga acknowledged the crowd and said, “Your spirit may be heard around the world tonight. Two and a half million people.”
“your spirit may be heard around the world. 2.5 MILLION people!” – lady gaga during her record-breaking show in copacabana beach in brazil pic.twitter.com/t7XCuHDgik
— pop culture gal (@allurequinn) May 4, 2025
Gaga fever had hit Brazil ever since the singer announced the special show. Fans had been camping outside the hotel where she had been staying since Tuesday night, singing her songs, waiting and hoping to get a glimpse of the star. On Friday night, Gaga treated fans by rehearsing on the stage, giving them a teaser of what was to come. Gaga told her audience, “I’ve missed you so much. I know that this is not the first show here, I know this is just a rehearsal, it feels like it’s the real show.”
It had been 12 years since Gaga last performed in the country, and fans started queuing early on Saturday morning to secure a good spot for the show. “Tonight, we’re making history,” she said. “Thank you for making history with me… The people of Brazil are the reason why I can shine.”
She opened the show with her 2011 track “Bloody Mary” and performed her classic hits, including “Poker Face” and “Alejandro,” as well as tracks from her latest album, “Mayhem.”
Gaga treated her fans to a new costume for the historic show by wearing a dress with the colors of the Brazilian flag.
Following the performance, Gaga took to Instagram and talked about the show. She wrote, “Nothing could prepare me for the feeling I had during last night’s show—the absolute pride and joy I felt singing for the people of Brazil. The sight of the crowd during my opening songs took my breath away. Your heart shines so bright, your culture is so vibrant and special, I hope you know how grateful I am to have shared this historical moment with you. An estimated 2.5 million people came to see me sing, the biggest crowd for any woman in history.” Gaga went on to say, “I wish I could share this feeling with the whole world—I know I can’t, but I can say this—if you lose your way, you can find your way back if you believe in yourself and work hard. You can give yourself dignity by rehearsing your passion and your craft, pushing yourself to new heights— you can lift yourself up even if it takes some time.” She thanked the people of Rio for “waiting for me to come back.” She concluded with saying, “Thank you little monsters all over the world. I love you. I will never forget this moment. Paws up little monsters. Obrigada. Love, Mother Monster.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/DJPMNIGNGS-/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D
The performance followed Gaga’s headlining performances at Coachella and sold-out stadium shows in Mexico City. Next up, Gaga heads to Singapore. The singer has not spoken directly about whether the Mayhem Ball tour will take its cues from her Coachella production and costume design and setlist or offer a different experience.
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