Colombian superstar Shakira performed in front of an estimated 2 million fans at a free concert on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, according to city officials. The event marked one of the largest shows of her career as part of her "Women No Longer Cry" world tour.

The 49-year-old singer addressed the crowd in Portuguese, saying: "Brazil, I love you! It's magical to think that here we are, millions of souls together, ready to sing, dance, be moved and remind the world what really matters."

Shakira said she had always dreamed of singing on Copacabana Beach: "And now look at this. Life is magical." The setlist included hits such as "Hips Don't Lie," "La Tortura" and "La Bicicleta."

Many concertgoers traveled for hours, and some crossed international borders, to see Shakira perform on a stage facing the iconic Copacabana Palace hotel. Some fans even slept on the beach on Friday night to secure a spot close to the stage.

By Saturday morning, the beach was packed with crowds as street vendors sold corn, snacks, water and the popular Brazilian cocktail caipirinhas.

Wanderson Andrade, who flew in from Goiana in central Brazil specifically for the show, said: "I tried to get tickets to see her in Brazil last year, but I didn't succeed. Today is a dream come true."

Rio Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere posted on X that 2 million people attended, declaring that the "She-Wolf made history in Rio." City officials estimate the event will generate over $160 million in local economic activity.

In recent years, Madonna and Lady Gaga have staged similarly massive beach concerts in Rio, drawing crowds of comparable size.

Source: www.dw.com