Shakira''s Free Concert in Rio Attracts 2 Million Fans, Generating $160 Million in Tourism Revenue
Latin pop star Shakira drew an estimated 2 million people to her free concert at Rio''s Copacabana beach. Local officials estimate the event will inject over $160 million into the economy, with flight bookings up 80% compared to the previous year.
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- 📰 Published: May 3, 2026 at 14:43
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(Rio de Janeiro, May 2, AFP) Latin pop queen Shakira kicked off a massive free concert at Rio''s famous Copacabana beach under a full moon today. Although she took the stage more than an hour late, the atmosphere was instantly ignited when drones formed the shape of her nickname "She Wolf" in the sky.
AFP reports that the free outdoor concert was expected to attract about 2 million people to witness the 49-year-old Colombian superstar perform on a massive stage built outside the Copacabana Palace.
This beach has hosted several pop queens in recent years, including Madonna, who drew 1.6 million fans in 2024, and Lady Gaga, who performed her classic hits for 2.1 million fans last year.
"Shakira doesn''t need to fit into any mold; she creates real art and does what she wants out of love," 26-year-old designer Joao Pedro Yellin told AFP. "I am deeply inspired by her; she is a Latin woman at the top."
To secure a spot for the show, super fan Graciele Vaz slept on the beach last night after arriving on a four-hour bus ride from the resort town of Paraty.
With over 90 million records sold worldwide, 4 Grammys, 15 Latin Grammys, and cross-generational hits like "Hips Don''t Lie," "Waka Waka," and "Whenever, Wherever," Shakira enjoys unparalleled popularity in Brazil and has performed there many times.
Her 2025 tour started in Rio and has already set a Guinness World Record for the highest-grossing tour by a Latin artist in history.
To promote the show, Shakira shared a video on Instagram of herself packing flip-flops and a Brazilian flag bikini before her departure. After arriving in Rio, she appeared against the backdrop of Sugarloaf Mountain, sharing the joy of walking around the city with her fans.
City officials estimate the event will inject over $160 million (approximately NT$5 billion) into the local economy. National tourism authorities stated that flight bookings this week have increased by 80% compared to the same period in 2024.
AFP reports that the free outdoor concert was expected to attract about 2 million people to witness the 49-year-old Colombian superstar perform on a massive stage built outside the Copacabana Palace.
This beach has hosted several pop queens in recent years, including Madonna, who drew 1.6 million fans in 2024, and Lady Gaga, who performed her classic hits for 2.1 million fans last year.
"Shakira doesn''t need to fit into any mold; she creates real art and does what she wants out of love," 26-year-old designer Joao Pedro Yellin told AFP. "I am deeply inspired by her; she is a Latin woman at the top."
To secure a spot for the show, super fan Graciele Vaz slept on the beach last night after arriving on a four-hour bus ride from the resort town of Paraty.
With over 90 million records sold worldwide, 4 Grammys, 15 Latin Grammys, and cross-generational hits like "Hips Don''t Lie," "Waka Waka," and "Whenever, Wherever," Shakira enjoys unparalleled popularity in Brazil and has performed there many times.
Her 2025 tour started in Rio and has already set a Guinness World Record for the highest-grossing tour by a Latin artist in history.
To promote the show, Shakira shared a video on Instagram of herself packing flip-flops and a Brazilian flag bikini before her departure. After arriving in Rio, she appeared against the backdrop of Sugarloaf Mountain, sharing the joy of walking around the city with her fans.
City officials estimate the event will inject over $160 million (approximately NT$5 billion) into the local economy. National tourism authorities stated that flight bookings this week have increased by 80% compared to the same period in 2024.