Shakira performed her greatest hits for a massive audience at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday night, drawing what officials called a record crowd for the event. The concert. Titled ‘Todo Mundo no Rio. ‘ was held as part of a broader initiative to stimulate the local economy.

Mayor Claims 2-Million Attendance

Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere shared a social media post stating that around 2 million people attended the free concert; the figure, however, has been subject to scrutiny in the past. A BBC Verify analysis of a 2025 Lady Gaga concert on the same beach found similar crowd numbers were likely exaggerated.

The event was funded by the city government, with officials estimating it would generate approximately R$800 million (£118 million) in economic benefits for Brazil — the funds are expected to come from increased tourism, local business activity, and related sectors.

Part of Broader Economic Revitalization

The concert is the latest in a series of large-scale events organized by the city to revitalize Rio’s economy; Officials have said that these events help attract both domestic and international visitors while also supporting local vendors, transportation services, and other industries.

Shakira’s performance included a mix of her most popular songs, drawing cheers and singalongs from the massive crowd; the concert was broadcast live on several platforms, ensuring a global audience for the event despite its free, in-person nature.

Security and logistical challenges were expected for an event of this size, while Authorities deployed additional personnel to manage crowd control and ensure public safety. The city also coordinated with local businesses to prepare for the influx of visitors, including extended public transportation hours and special event staffing at nearby venues.

Criticism of Attendance Claims

While the mayor’s office touted the event as a success, some analysts and media outlets have questioned the accuracy of the 2 million attendance figure; Similar claims from previous large events have been difficult to verify, and independent estimates often suggest lower numbers. The BBC’s analysis of the 2025 Lady Gaga concert, for example, found that while large crowds were present, the exact number of attendees was likely inflated.

Despite the skepticism, the city government continues to use such figures to highlight the economic impact of major cultural events. The ‘Todo Mundo no Rio’ concert is seen as part of a strategy to rebrand Rio as a global entertainment destination while also supporting local communities.