Lady Gaga in Brazil, over 2 million people at free concert

Lady Gaga, dressed in a scarlet red dress, rocked the delirious crowds thronging Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, with her free concert that drew more than 2 million people. After opening his show with "Bloody Mary", the American star, who had not performed in Brazil since 2012, continued with "Abracadabra", one of the hits from his latest album, "Mayhem", released in March. "Tonight we are making history. Thank you for making history with me,' Lady Gaga told a screaming crowd. All week long, her fans have been pouring into the city.

(Photo by MAURO PIMENTEL / AFP)

The Rio City Council is counting on an economic return of around $100 million, almost 30% more than the free Madonna concert organised at the same venue a year ago. Huge security measures were deployed for Lady Gaga's concert, with over 5,000 agents, drones and CCTV cameras with facial recognition.

REUTERS/Tita Barros

The municipal authorities plan to continue with the tradition of the free concert in May also to stimulate tourism during a period considered low season after Carnival and New Year. 'This event brings activity to the city during what was previously considered the low season, filling hotels and increasing spending in bars, restaurants and shops, generating jobs and income for the population,' said Osmar Lima, the city's economic development secretary, in a statement released last month by the Rio City Council's tourism department. Mayor Eduardo Paes has already hinted that for next year he is planning to invite the Irish rock band U2.