#SHOWBIZ: Gaga thrills 2.1 million fans at free beach concert
RIO DE JANIERO: Lady Gaga captivated a 2.1 million-strong crowd with a free concert at the iconic Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday evening, according to the city administration, German Press Agency (dpa) reported.
"I'm so honoured to be here with you tonight. My heart is full. I feel happy, proud and deeply grateful," the 39-year-old American singer said on stage from a mocked-up balcony adorned with a Brazilian flag. "Thank you, Brazil. I love you forever!"
The Rio concert was billed as the biggest of her career. The roughly two-hour performance was part of the "Todo Mundo no Rio" (Everybody in Rio) series, an initiative by the city to bring international stars to the coastal metropolis.
Lady Gaga had previously cancelled a planned appearance at the Rock in Rio music festival in 2017 due to health reasons. She told fans that Brazilians had waited more than a decade since her last performance in the country, and she would give her all on stage.
Fans began arriving at Copacabana as early as the day before to secure the best viewing spots.
Around 4,800 police officers were deployed for the event. According to city officials, the show drew about 500,000 tourists to Rio - more than double the expected number - and is projected to generate 600 million reais (US$106 million/MYR451.3 million) in revenue for the city.
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