Fans of Lady Gaga have gathered on Copacabana beach, Rio de Janeiro, to secure prime spots for her much-anticipated concert on Saturday, May 3, 2025. The excitement was palpable as early as 10:00 AM, when lines began forming to enter the beach, stretching over two blocks. This event marks Gaga's return to Brazil nearly a decade after she had to cancel her performance at Rock in Rio due to health issues.
The concert, part of the "Todo Mundo no Rio" initiative organized by the city, is expected to draw an estimated audience of 1.6 million people, making it one of the largest shows in Gaga's career. The stage, towering at 2.2 meters, has been set up to accommodate the massive crowd, with 16 screens installed to ensure everyone can enjoy the performance, even from a distance.
Among the dedicated fans is Taise Godinho, 30, who traveled from San Jose, USA, to witness the show. "She marked my adolescence, you know? As a weird kid, I see a lot of myself in Mama Monster. She stands out among pop divas who fit the mold. She does things that other artists don’t," she expressed, reminiscing about a similar experience when she camped out for Beyoncé's first concert in Brazil back in 2009.
Denner Santoro, 25, and Kaique Santos, 24, made their way from Santo André to join the festivities. Denner shared, "She talks a lot about freedom, about expressing yourself without fear. That’s something I really appreciate about her. For someone like me, who feels different, she represents a lot." One of his favorite songs, "Marry the Night," resonates deeply with him, highlighting the importance of embracing one's identity.
For Amanda Campos, 27, who celebrated her birthday just the day before, witnessing Gaga's rehearsal was a dream come true. "Out of nowhere, she appeared. I freaked out; I was so close! She quieted anyone who might have had something negative to say about her," she recalled with excitement.
Accessibility has also been a concern for some concert-goers. Gabriel Campos, 31, who has a visual impairment, arrived early to access a reserved space near the stage. "I got here at 8 AM, but it was already packed. There’s a lack of organization regarding who qualifies for the PCD area," he stated. The Public Ministry of the State of Rio de Janeiro (MPRJ) had previously recommended that measures be taken to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities at the event, citing inadequate facilities.
According to Riotur, the city’s tourism agency, two designated areas for people with disabilities have been set up, one accommodating 70 people and another for 80. However, access is on a first-come, first-served basis, leading to concerns about whether all attendees will be able to enjoy the show safely.
As the day progressed, the city implemented traffic restrictions. Avenida Atlântica has been closed since 7:00 AM, with vehicles barred from entering the area. By 6:00 PM, only buses and taxis will be allowed, and by 7:30 PM, even those will be prohibited from accessing Copacabana. The city anticipates that the concert will inject over R$ 600 million into the local economy.
Gaga's performance is set to begin at 9:45 PM and is expected to last until 12:15 AM, with opening acts featuring DJs. The concert will be broadcast live on TV Globo, Multishow, and Globoplay, starting at 9:15 PM. Notably, the broadcast will include a slight delay of 8 to 10 minutes at Gaga's request, ensuring a seamless viewing experience for those at home.
Lady Gaga's return to Brazil comes nearly a decade after her last performance in the country, where she thrilled fans during the "Born This Way Ball" tour in 2012. Her planned appearance at Rock in Rio in 2017 was canceled due to fibromyalgia, which led to widespread disappointment among fans. This time, her show, titled "Mayhem Na Praia," celebrates her latest album, "Mayhem," featuring hits like "Disease" and "Abracabra." However, some fan favorites, such as "Always Remember Us This Way" and "Just Dance," are rumored to be absent from the setlist.
As the sun sets over Copacabana, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. Fans have come prepared with blankets, umbrellas, snacks, and plenty of water, ready to endure the wait until the show begins. The camaraderie among fans, united by their admiration for Gaga, adds to the electric vibe of the event.
For many, this concert is more than just a musical performance; it represents a celebration of individuality and self-expression. As Denner aptly put it, "For those of us who don’t fit the mainstream mold, Gaga shows us that being different is not just okay, it’s something to be proud of." With such a powerful message, it’s no wonder that fans are willing to brave the elements for a chance to see their idol live.
As the clock ticks down to showtime, the excitement is palpable. With the stage set and the crowd eagerly awaiting, Lady Gaga's concert at Copacabana promises to be an unforgettable night filled with music, emotion, and a sense of community among her dedicated fans.
