Just when you thought Lady Gaga couldn’t outdo herself, she turns around and does it anyway.
On Saturday night, the singer gave a free concert in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in front of an estimated 2.5 million people. Fans packed Copacabana Beach, making it the biggest show of her career—and the largest crowd ever for a woman in music history. The previous record was held by Madonna, who drew 1.6 million people to the same venue last year.
Performing hits like “Alejandro” and “Poker Face,” Gaga cycled through multiple outfit changes, including a look inspired by the Brazilian flag.
After the show, she took to Instagram to reflect on the night in a moving note alongside photos from backstage and a video of the massive crowd that had gathered to watch her perform.
“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,” the star wrote. “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.”
This concert marked Gaga’s first one in Brazil since 2012. She noted in her caption that she was thankful to have the opportunity to return.
The Grammy award-winning artist continued, “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 ended her note by thanking her fans in Rio and the “little monsters” around the world. “I will never forget this moment,” she shared. “Paws up little monsters. Obrigada. Love, Mother Monster.”
