"Gagafest on Copacabana"
Superstar Lady Gaga sets a new standard at her spectacular performance in Rio, shattering previous attendance records.
Rio de Janeiro (dpa) - In a jaw-dropping display, US pop sensation Lady Gaga effortlessly shattered records with her exhilarating free mega-concert on Copacabana beach in early May. The performance, attended by an astonishing 2.5 million spirited fans, has earned a coveted spot in the Guinness Book of World Records as the concert with the largest single audience ever.
Refuting initial estimates of 2.1 million attendees, Lady Gaga's captivating nearly two-hour spectacle surpassed the previous record set by Madonna, who drew around 1.6 million spectators at the same location in 2024.
The "Todo Mundo no Rio" (Everyone in Rio) series, which welcomes internationally acclaimed stars to the coastal metropolis, revealed that the event is projected to generate a staggering 600 million Reais (approximately 94 million Euros) for the local economy.
Dubbed "Gagacabana" on the official record book's website, the show marked Lady Gaga's first performance in Brazil in 13 years. The concert was touted as the largest of her career, and the city was visibly transformed to embrace this historic event.
From her latest album "Mayhem," to career staples like "Born This Way," "Paparazzi," "Poker Face," and "Bad Romance," which concluded the magical show with a resplendent fireworks display, the 39-year-old delivered a riveting performance to remember. The singer graciously thanked the audience, praising, "The people of Brazil are the reason I shine."
Breaking the Crowd Barrier
While Lady Gaga's concert takes the title of the largest concert audience to date, the record for the overall largest crowd remains with Rod Stewart's 1994 New Year's Eve concert at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, which attracted an estimated 3.5 million people. However, viewing figures for those who solely attended for the traditional midnight fireworks may be included in the estimated total.
Although the Guinness Book of World Records does not specifically acknowledge Rod Stewart's concert in its online archives, it is universally regarded as a groundbreaking event in concert history. Both concerts often appear in lists showcasing the largest gatherings for a single performance.
After setting a record for the largest single audience ever in a concert, Lady Gaga's performance at "Gagafest on Copacabana" was surpassed by Rod Stewart's 1994 New Year's Eve concert at the same location, which attracted an estimated 3.5 million people. Despite not being recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records, Rod Stewart's show is universally regarded as a groundbreaking event in entertainment history, often appearing in lists showcasing the largest gatherings for a single performance.
