Rio excited for American singer’s free concert
Excitement is mounting in Rio de Janeiro as fans eagerly anticipate US pop sensation Lady Gaga’s free mega-concert on May 3. After a decade-long wait, Brazilians are thrilled to finally see the 39-year-old star perform in their country.
Throngs of devoted fans, lovingly known as “little monsters,” have descended upon the city, clad in Gaga-themed attire from T-shirts to wigs, eagerly awaiting the star’s arrival. Victor Faro, sporting plastic horns and a Salvador Dali-style moustache reminiscent of Gaga’s iconic looks from the past, anxiously awaits outside the Copacabana Palace hotel for a chance to catch a glimpse of his idol.
Cinthia Rodrigues, a content creator adorned in a platinum blonde wig and bandana, sees Lady Gaga as more than just a performer; she views her as a maternal figure. “I don’t just identify with her look, but also her personality,” Rodrigues shares, expressing her excitement for what she anticipates will be a historic concert.
Fresh off the release of her latest album, Mayhem, Lady Gaga, who recently performed two nights in Mexico City, promised her fans an unforgettable show in Rio de Janeiro. This performance comes after a 2017 cancellation of her plans to perform in Brazil at a rock festival due to health concerns.
Rio is a city well-accustomed to hosting grand events, with its famed Carnival drawing millions of attendees annually. In 2024, Madonna delivered a monumental performance at Copacabana, attracting over a million fans and injecting millions of dollars into the local economy. The forthcoming Lady Gaga concert is projected to have an even greater economic impact.
According to Osmar Lima, Rio’s secretary for economic development, the addition of an annual international star concert on Copacabana beach during the previously quieter off-season spurs economic activity by drawing tourists and fostering community joy. Copacabana resident Analice Analice Regina Moreira, aged 73, echoes this sentiment.
Local vendors are capitalizing on the frenzy surrounding Lady Gaga’s concert by selling an array of Gaga-themed merchandise. Among the popular items is a tank top inspired by the iconic “meat dress” Gaga wore at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards. Paulo Moreira Monteiro, a trader, shares that the demand exceeded expectations, with fans queuing up for an hour at his store, anticipating a revenue boost of around 70% compared to a typical week.
As Rio gears up for a night of musical extravaganza with Lady Gaga headlining the free concert, the city anticipates a surge in economic activity, community joy, and a memorable experience for fans eagerly waiting to see their beloved star take the stage.