Colombian pop star Shakira performed a free concert on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday night, drawing an estimated 2 million attendees, according to Rio Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere. The event, part of her "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran" world tour, followed similar performances by Madonna (2024) and Lady Gaga (2025). However, BBC Verify questioned the crowd size, citing inflated estimates from past events.
The concert, funded by the city, aimed to revitalize the local economy, with officials projecting R$800 million (£118m) in economic impact. Shakira opened with a delayed start but delivered hits like "Hips Don’t Lie" and "La Bicicleta," celebrating women’s resilience and her long-standing connection with Brazil. She also referenced her 1990s debut in the country, where she first gained popularity.
Felipe Maia, an ethnomusicologist, attributed Shakira’s success in Brazil to cultural similarities between Colombia and Brazil. Erica Monteiro, a 38-year-old accountant, called Shakira a symbol of Latino strength. The event featured skywriting drones spelling "I love you Brazil" and drew vendors selling snacks, toiletries, and even sand for better views.
Background: The concert was part of Rio’s efforts to boost tourism and economic activity, following a trend of high-profile free performances on Copacabana Beach. Previous events, including Lady Gaga’s 2025 show, also faced scrutiny over crowd estimates.