Madonna knows how to complete a tour!
On Saturday, the GRAMMY-winning musician made history when she broke the record for largest audience at a single concert by an artist on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on the final night of her The Celebration Tour.
Madonna’s free show was attended by 1.6 million fans. The record was previously held by The Rolling Stones when they performed at the venue in 2006 to a then-record 1.5 million fan base.
Madonna’s Celebration Tour show included performances of some of her biggest hits, including “Just Like A Prayer,” “Nothing Really Matters” and “Music.” The performance was Madonna’s first show in Brazil since 2012.
The singer had a special guest from her hometown during the “Vogue” portion of the show when Anitta surprised the audience. For the segment, the “Bellakeo” singer served as a ball judge alongside Madonna as she attended with the dancers and held up a “10” sign.
Following the show, Madonna shared a video on Instagram from the stage in which she celebrates Brazilian culture by waving the flag.
“It’s Rio’s fault 🇧🇷 Thank you Brazil!! 🔥🇧🇷🔥🇧🇷 🔥 @pabllovittar @itau @tvglobo
#Music brings people together,” she wrote.
Ahead of the moment, Anitta – who just released her latest album Funk generation — said ET She would miss the Met Gala because she was performing for Madonna.
“Not this year,” she told ET when asked if she’ll be attending the Met Gala. “I’m going to be in Brazil with Madonna.”
Madonna kicked off her Celebration Tour in October 2023 at London’s O2 Arena. The North American leg of the tour began in December 2023 and featured a number of special guests including Andy Cohen, Kelly Ripa, Cardi B, Pamela Anderson and Julia Garner.
The tour was delayed as the singer recovered from a near-fatal viral infection. Madonna became emotional on the first night of the show as she reflected on the health crisis.
“It was a crazy year for me. I didn’t think I would make it, and neither did my doctors. That’s why I woke up and all my children were sitting around me,” Madonna revealed to an enthusiastic audience.
The Celebration Tour also has been the subject of a lawsuit – submitted by fans who claimed the singer started her show late. Madonna’s lawyer has asked for the case to be dismissed.
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