1.5 million people descend on Rio de Janeiro for Madonna’s free ‘Celebration’ concert

1.5 million people descend on Rio de Janeiro for Madonna’s free ‘Celebration’ concert | Music

MUSICOn Saturday evening, Madonna (65) will end her ‘Celebration’ world tour with a bang. For the occasion, the American singer will give a free mega show on the iconic Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro. As many as 1.5 million people attend the spectacle.

Madonna has been touring the world since October 14 with her ‘Celebration’ tour – in our country she also stopped at the Sportpaleis -, with which she performs her biggest hits from forty years of career live. Her last stop is in Rio de Janeiro, also the only show in South America. Although it will also be her biggest concert. The Queen of Pop performs on a stage that is 24 meters wide and 18 meters high and has a total area of 812 square meters. That is twice as large as usual in her world tour. As many as 1.5 million people are expected on the iconic beach. That is why 15 large screens and sixteen sound towers have been set up. This way everyone will have good picture and sound.

Judging by the rehearsals, it will be a steamy show as usual. During the sound check, Madonna – dressed in an all-black outfit and green mask – immediately gave a sexy look performance, where she even twisted a backup dancer’s tongue. Surrounded by international dancers and musicians, she gave the best of herself. Later she also appeared in sexy black and red lingerie, fishnet tights and matching leather boots. And the reflective latex catsuit – designed by Donatella Versace – could also be admired. It will be a spectacular concert, which will be broadcast live on national Brazilian television.

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Madonna during rehearsals. © REUTERS

15 million euros

Of course, that also comes with a hefty price tag. The total cost of the concert is estimated at around 15 million euros, of which, according to various sources, around 80 percent will be for Madonna. Fortunately, there are also some sponsors. The budget is largely financed by Itaú, Brazil’s largest bank, and Heineken. The city of Rio and the state of Rio are each contributing around 2 million euros. A lucrative investment, because according to studies it yields the city around 60 million euros for the local economy. This is what Mayor Eduardo Paes says.

The icon itself also contributes to the economy. For example, Madonna stays in the presidential suite of Copacabana Palace. It is one of the most luxurious and expensive hotels in the country, including a fully marble bathroom, private swimming pool, a personal butler and a view of the beach. 90 rooms have been booked in the more than 100-year-old hotel for its 200 employees. In the past, Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, Elton John and Princess Diana have also slept at Copacabana Palace.