Two arrested in alleged bomb plot targeting Rio concert venue
Two arrested for alleged bomb plot targeting Rio concert venue.
Event / Entertainment
Shakira Rio Concert May 2026
Colombian popstar Shakira performed a free mega-concert at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro on May 2, 2026, attracting approximately two million attendees. The event featured guest appearances by Brazilian music legends Caetano Veloso and Maria Bethania, as well as local artist Anitta. Rio authorities deployed enhanced security with approximately 8,000 agents and drones. The concert is part of Rio's annual mega-concert strategy and is projected to contribute over 800 million reais to the local economy.
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2026-08-18 to 2026-11-15 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 3 May, 11:07 UTC
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What happened
Airbnb reports increased bookings for Rio de Janeiro ahead of Shakira concert
Airbnb announced on April 22, 2026 that it was experiencing increased guest bookings for Rio de Janeiro in anticipation of Shakira's free concert on Copacabana Beach. Travelers were expected to come from various parts of Brazil, Latin America, and European cities including Paris and London.
Rio de Janeiro tourism increased 90.5% in May 2025 compared to 2023
Rio de Janeiro experienced a 90.5% increase in tourist arrivals in May 2025 compared to May 2023, according to City Hall data. This growth followed the Lady Gaga concert in May 2025. In May 2024, following the Madonna concert, the city recorded a 34.2% increase in tourists on May 1 compared to 2023. These concert events are part of the city's strategy to boost economic activity after Carnival and New Year's festivities.
Estimated 2 million attendees at Shakira's Copacabana Beach concert
Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere announced that approximately 2 million people attended Shakira's free concert on Copacabana Beach, making it one of the largest concert crowds at the iconic waterfront location. This followed similar large-scale free concerts by Madonna in 2024 and Lady Gaga in 2025, both of which also drew massive crowds.
Shakira performs free concert on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro
Colombian superstar Shakira performed a free concert on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro on May 2, 2026. The event was part of her "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran" (Women No Longer Cry) world tour named after her 2024 album. The performance began around 11 p.m., more than an hour after the scheduled start time. Skywriting drones flew overhead spelling "I love you Brazil" in Portuguese. Shakira performed fan favorites including "Hips Don't Lie," "La Tortura," "La Bicicleta," and ended with "BZRP Music Sessions #53/66."
Two arrested for alleged bomb plot during Lady Gaga concert in Rio de Janeiro
During Lady Gaga's concert in Rio de Janeiro in 2025, Rio de Janeiro's state police arrested two people for an alleged bomb plot. Police stated the two arrested individuals were allegedly part of a group spreading hate speech against the LGBTQ community and sought to radicalize and recruit teenagers to carry out attacks using Molotov cocktails and improvised explosives.
Bad Bunny performed concerts in São Paulo in February 2026
Latin American artist Bad Bunny performed concerts in São Paulo, Brazil in February 2026. These performances, along with Shakira's Copacabana Beach concert, were cited as examples of major Latin American artists reinforcing Brazil's Latino cultural identity.
Rio de Janeiro projects 777 million reais economic impact from Shakira concert
According to a study by Rio de Janeiro City Hall and Riotur (the municipality's tourism company), Shakira's free concert on Copacabana Beach is projected to generate approximately 777 million reais (around $155 million USD) in economic impact. The revenue comes from tourist influx and spending in restaurants, hotels, and shops. Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere stated the city's investment in the show would generate a financial return 40 times greater than the initial investment.
Drone display forms wolf silhouette before Shakira concert begins
Minutes before Shakira's concert began at Copacabana Beach on May 2, 2026, under a full moon, a display of drones formed the silhouette of a wolf in the sky—a reference to Shakira's nickname 'the wolf.'
Rio de Janeiro hosts annual mega-concert series featuring international pop stars
Rio de Janeiro has established an annual mega-concert series on Copacabana Beach featuring international pop stars. The series was inaugurated in 2024 by Madonna, who attracted 1.6 million spectators. Lady Gaga performed in 2025 and drew 2.1 million attendees. Shakira performed in 2026. This annual event is part of a successful strategy to boost tourism in the city.
Rio de Janeiro projects over 800 million reais in economic benefits from Shakira concert
Rio de Janeiro municipal authorities estimated economic benefits of more than 800 million reais (approximately 136 million euros) from Shakira's mega-concert on Copacabana Beach on May 2, 2026.
Police thwart bomb plot following Lady Gaga concert in Rio de Janeiro
Following Lady Gaga's mega-concert at Copacabana Beach in 2025, Rio de Janeiro police announced they had thwarted a bomb attack plot orchestrated by a group that was spreading hate speech, particularly targeting the LGBT community.
Shakira performs with Brazilian popstar Anitta at Copacabana concert
Shakira performed alongside Brazilian popstar Anitta, a Rio de Janeiro native, during her mega-concert at Copacabana Beach on May 2, 2026.
Rio de Janeiro deploys 8,000 security agents and drones for Shakira concert
Rio de Janeiro authorities deployed approximately 8,000 security agents and drones to provide enhanced security for Shakira's mega-concert at Copacabana Beach on May 2, 2026. This represented a significant increase in security measures compared to previous mega-concerts.
Rio de Janeiro records 2.1 million foreign tourists in 2025
Rio de Janeiro received 2.1 million foreign tourists in 2025, marking a record for the city. This figure represents the success of the city's tourism strategy that includes annual mega-concerts.
Approximately two million people attend Shakira concert at Copacabana Beach
According to Rio de Janeiro municipal authorities, approximately two million people attended Shakira's free concert on Copacabana Beach on May 2, 2026. This attendance figure surpasses previous mega-concerts at the same venue by Madonna in 2024 (1.6 million spectators) and Lady Gaga in 2025 (2.1 million spectators).
Shakira performs with Brazilian music legends Caetano Veloso and Maria Bethania
During her Copacabana concert on May 2, 2026, Shakira performed with Caetano Veloso and Maria Bethania, a brother and sister duo who are legends of Brazilian music. Veloso is 83 years old and Maria Bethania is 79 years old. A public rehearsal with these artists was held the previous evening on May 1, 2026.
Shakira launches 'Las mujeres ya no lloran' world tour in Rio de Janeiro
Shakira launched her world tour titled 'Las mujeres ya no lloran' ('The women no longer cry') in Rio de Janeiro in February 2025. The tour is named after her latest studio album and features the hit 'Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,' which addresses her romantic break-up with former Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué.
Shakira has performed in Brazil multiple times since 1996
Colombian popstar Shakira has performed in Brazil numerous times since 1996. She speaks Portuguese fluently and has developed a special relationship with the country. She continues to be deeply connected to Brazilian culture and audiences.
Shakira performs free mega-concert at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro
Colombian popstar Shakira performed a free mega-concert on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro on May 2, 2026. The event featured a monumental stage of 1,345 square meters positioned in front of the iconic Copacabana Palace hotel where Shakira was staying. The concert began more than one hour late. Shakira performed over two hours, wearing a sequined combination in the colors of Brazil, and performed hit songs including 'Hips Don't Lie,' 'La bicicleta,' and 'Waka Waka.'
Read the coverage
2 alternative perspectives
Brazil's concert circuit expands with international acts strengthening tourism appeal
International concert performances are strengthening Brazil's tourism sector and economic activity across major cities.
Rio tourism surges 90.5% as city establishes concert destination appeal
Rio tourism surged 90.5% year-over-year in May 2025, establishing the city as a premier concert destination.
Shakira concert generates 777 million reais in Rio economic activity
Shakira concert generated estimated 777 million reais in economic activity for Rio de Janeiro.
Rio's tourism surge positions city as premier concert destination
Rio received 2.1 million foreign tourists in 2025, establishing tourism infrastructure supporting major events.
Police stop bomb plot after Rio de Janeiro concert
Police stopped a bomb plot after a Rio de Janeiro concert.
Rio deploys 8,000 security agents and drones for Shakira concert
Rio deployed 8,000 security agents and drones for the two-million-person Shakira concert.
Rio projects 800 million reais in economic gains from Shakira concert
Rio projects 800 million reais in economic benefits from the Shakira concert.
Shakira draws two million to free Copacabana Beach concert
Shakira's free Copacabana concert drew two million people and launched her world tour.