Lady Gaga Total Mayhem in Rio de Janeiro (Todo Mundo No Rio)
By Phoebe Choi, FestForums | May 7th, 2025
There are concerts, and then there are moments in history. On Saturday, May 5th, I was fortunate enough to be part of the latter when Lady Gaga performed at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro in front of an estimated 2.5 million people – her biggest show ever.
Born this Way: Pre-Show Excitement
The energy in Rio was electric days before the show. As I made my way through the streets, I found myself surrounded by fellow "little monsters" (as we Gaga fans are lovingly called) singing her songs in perfect unison. The community that forms around music is something truly special, and nowhere was this more evident than in the passionate crowds of Rio.
Lines began forming early – really early. What followed was a 10+ hour wait under the Brazilian sun, but every minute was worth it. The anticipation built with each passing hour as the crowd grew, united by our shared love for Gaga and her music.
More Than Just Music
When Gaga finally took the stage, the beach erupted. The production was stunning, her vocals flawless, and her energy unmatched. This wasn't just another stop on a tour; this was Lady Gaga making history at Copacabana Beach.
What struck me most was how genuinely moved she seemed by the massive turnout and the passionate response from the crowd. In a particularly touching moment, she addressed us with words I'll never forget: "We're making history, but no one makes history alone. Without all of you, the incredible people of Brazil, I wouldn't have this moment. Thank you for making history with me." And make history, she did. The performance was a masterclass in entertainment – a perfect blend of her greatest hits and spectacular showmanship that had the entire beach moving as one.
What makes a Gaga concert special isn't just the music – it's the sense of belonging. Looking around at the sea of faces – people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life – I was reminded of how music transcends boundaries. The Brazilian fans brought their own special energy too. Their passion was infectious, their singing deafening, and their love for Gaga undeniable. They welcomed international fans like me with open arms, sharing in our collective joy.
Lady Gaga at Copacabana wasn't just a performance; it was a celebration of music, community, and connection. It was proof that when an artist truly loves their fans, and those fans love them right back, something magical happens.
The Reality of Mass Events
When the final notes faded and the lights dimmed, reality quickly set in. With 2.5 million people all trying to leave Copacabana Beach simultaneously, what followed was chaos. Streets were closed off, leaving the metro as the only viable option for hundreds of thousands of people. We found ourselves trapped in a human traffic jam, barely moving for over an hour just trying to reach the station.
The crowded conditions created the perfect environment for what happened next. After finally making it onto a train and getting off at our stop, we turned a corner only to be confronted by four young men who targeted us in the post-concert confusion. Despite our caution, they managed to steal my friend's necklace before disappearing into the night. So, was it worth it?
As we made our way back to our accommodation, exhausted and a bit shaken, I reflected on the day's extreme contrasts. The transcendent joy of Gaga's performance against the harsh reality of urban safety issues – both were equally part of the authentic Rio experience.
The day was full in every sense of the word. From the highest highs of musical ecstasy to the sobering reminder of staying vigilant in a crowded city It was unforgettable. It wasn't just a concert; it was the full Brazilian experience – beautiful, chaotic, passionate, and sometimes dangerous.
Despite the unfortunate ending, I wouldn't trade the experience. Those moments when Gaga connected with 2.5 million souls under the Rio sky – that's what I'll remember most. That, and to maybe take a taxi next time.