“Monumental”, “historical”. 65-year-old Madonna offers a legendary show in Rio de Janeiro in front of 1.5 million people.

Sex, drugs and rock and roll for the Queen of Pop. This Sunday, May 5, everyone is (already) talking about Madonna’s legendary concert, which was given the day before in Rio de Janeiro on Copacabana Beach. An open-air show, entry was free to all fans and other onlookers, welcoming an estimated 1.5 million people in total. The 65-year-old singer performed a show that some described as “impressive,” “historic,” “monumental” as much for its energy and vitality as for the universe it opened up: hits, sex, religious symbols, messy costume changes, explosive choreography. . Moreover, it will be the biggest show of the singer’s career, AFP reported, as “the huge beach was packed with people and an enthusiastic crowd (…) Dozens of boats came up to enjoy the magnificent view.”

An ode to joy

Before revealing each other, the pressure was on for a good hour with several DJs coming through, including the famous Diplo. Then, to a standing ovation, Madonna approached the stage to begin the first notes Nothing really matters“Here we are, Rio, the most beautiful place in the world,” he whispered into his microphone in front of all the Brazilians. The latter knows the country well, he likes to stay in the legendary Copacabana Palace, a haven of peace and luxury for Hollywood stars, where he established his family quarters. Note that Brazil is living in a particular political context, with the return of Jair Bolsonaro, a conservative right-wing politician after the Covid-19 pandemic, and then a historic figure of the left a year ago. wing labor party. The Brazilian flag did not leave the stage.

This also opened up a giant stage of almost 800 m2. The American diva also gathered dozens of dancers, as well as children, and invited several hits to participate in the show. Madonna obviously let all these inspirations come and go, between mystical or cabaret sets, and was joined by Brazilian drag queen Pablo Vitar as she sang her famous composition. Vogue:.

293 million reais

“When I was nine years old, my older sister, who died last year, gave me my first Walkman with a cassette. Like a virgin– said a 48-year-old woman from the audience, reports AFP. We haven’t stopped listening to it since. For this reason, coming here for us is related to our sisterhood. Because Madonna’s music unites and excites crowds. The show also brought in 293 million reais (€53 million) for the local economy, the municipality estimates, to the delight of small merchants on the beach.

The concert thus ended Madonna’s “The Celebration Tour” in style, a tour celebrating her 40-year career. After 80 concerts in Europe, North America and Mexico, Madonna was in better shape than ever. Indeed, the latter, at the age of 65, contracted a serious bacterial infection last year, forcing him to spend several days in the intensive care unit in June 2023. It’s enough to impress.