Source: edition.cnn.com
Image content: The image shows a massive crowd at a concert or festival, with people packed tightly together and many holding up phones. On the right, a large screen displays a performer singing in white attire, with a Brazilian flag draped below the screen.
Summary
Lady Gaga drew an estimated 2.1 million people to a free, city-funded concert on Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach—her largest show to date—intended to boost tourism and the local economy. The two-hour performance, part of promotion for her upcoming album and her first Brazil appearance since 2012, featured major hits and emotional reflections on her health challenges. Authorities mounted an extensive security operation with thousands of police, drones, and facial recognition, while Brazilian police disclosed they had quietly foiled an alleged bomb plot targeting LGBTQ+ attendees and arrested suspects linked to an online hate group. Despite the threat, the event proceeded without incident and is projected to generate significant economic impact, reinforcing Rio’s strategy of hosting annual mega free concerts.
Key Points
- An estimated 2.1 million attended a free Copacabana Beach concert, Gaga’s biggest show ever.
- Rio funded the event to spur tourism and expects around $100m in economic impact.
- Heavy security included 5,000 police, drones, and facial recognition; no incidents occurred.
- Police arrested suspects over an alleged plot targeting LGBTQ+ attendees; investigation aided by U.S. Consulate tips.
- Rio plans to continue annual large-scale free May concerts following Madonna’s and Gaga’s successes.