- Written by Noor Nanji
- culture reporter
Madonna held a free concert in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday night, with fans flocking to Brazil's famous Copacabana Beach to see the pop idol.
“Rio, we are in the most beautiful place in the world,” she declared as the performance began.
The show was the final stop on the 65-year-old's Celebration Tour, which celebrates her 40th anniversary in music.
It is estimated that over 1.5 million fans attended the show.
“Are you ready?” Madonna posted on her Instagram account seven hours before the show.
Hours before the American superstar arrived, throngs of fans could be seen dancing to Madonna songs played from speakers on stage.
In what many called a “historic” show, Madonna wowed the audience with multiple sets, costume changes and light displays.
Signor performed some of her biggest hits, including Nothing Really Matters, Like a Prayer, and Vogue, and at one point was joined on stage by Brazilian singer Anitta.
Huge screens were set up along the beach to ensure that the mostly Brazilian audience could watch the events unfold. Police were also present in large numbers to ensure the safety of all participants.
T-shirts, souvenirs and signs emblazoned with Madonna's face adorned the neighborhood, fueling excitement ahead of the concert.
Since breaking onto the British charts in 1984 with Holiday, Madonna has had 71 hits, including 13 number one singles.
There are also era-defining anthems like 'Vogue', 'Like A Prayer' and 'Ray of Light'. Songs like “Live To Tell” and “Don’t Tell Me” are fan favorites.
Last year, the superstar was found unconscious in his New York apartment in June and rushed to hospital where he was treated for a serious bacterial infection.
But then she regained her full strength and her tour was marked by her characteristic energetic performance.
The Rio concert was the final touch to an 80-date tour across Europe and North America.