2M Fans on Copacabana Beach Return Shakira's Message

Colombian superstar Shakira gave a free concert on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday night, drawing a crowd the city put at 2 million people to one of the world's most iconic waterfronts. Her set kicked off around 11 pm, more than an hour after the scheduled time, to fans screaming with excitement and frantic applause as skywriting drones flew overhead, spelling out in the sky, "I love you Brazil" in Portuguese. The stop was part of her "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran," or "Women No Longer Cry," world tour named for her 2024 album, the AP reports.

The singer spoke fondly about the first time she came to Brazil, some three decades ago. "I arrived here when I was 18 years old, dreaming about singing for you," Shakira told the crowd shortly after coming onstage. "And now look at this. Life is magical." The pop star sang fan favorites such as "Hips Don't Lie," "La Tortura," and "La Bicicleta." She ended with "BZRP Music Sessions #53/66," which followed her separation from Spanish soccer player Gerard Piqué. She also celebrated women's resilience during the show. "Us women, every time we fall we get up a little wiser," she told the crowd. The concert was held days after a crew member was killed preparing for it.

Erica Monteiro, a 38-year-old accountant, said she has listened to Shakira since childhood. "For me she represents the strength of our Latino community," Monteiro said ahead of the concert. "We're treated as if we were inferior but in fact we have much more strength." Heading home after Saturday's show, Hellem Souza da Silva said Shakira's performance, like Bad Bunny's concerts in Sao Paulo in February, helped consolidate Brazil's Latino identity. These artists "are making it clear that Brazil, Puerto Rico, Colombia and other countries are part of Latin America. And that America is not the United States," she said. The performance followed similar shows by Madonna in 2024 and Lady Gaga last year. City officials estimated Shakira's appearance generated about $161.45 million for the local economy, per USA Today. The annual festival will be held through at least 2028.