When Copacabana beach is transformed into a gigantic open-air stage, music is no longer just a show but a cultural phenomenon of worldwide impact. In recent years, Rio de Janeiro has managed to consolidate a format that combines free access, high-level production and a massive gathering in front of the sea. This concept has turned the city into a point of reference in the international music calendar, where each edition surpasses the previous one in magnitude and impact.
The event known as Todo Mundo No Rio quickly established itself as a trademark of the experience. In 2024, Madonna brought together approximately 1.6 million people, while in 2025 Lady Gaga raised the bar even higher by gathering close to 2.5 million attendees, signing one of the largest concerts of all time. These numbers not only reflect the convening power of the artists, but also the city’s logistical and cultural capacity to host events of such scale.
With a new edition scheduled for the first weeks of May, the question of who will be the next main star is keeping fans and experts on tenterhooks. Although there is still no official confirmation, the mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Paes, has raised expectations by publicly asking citizens who they would like to see on stage. This simple gesture was enough to ignite the debate on social networks and trigger a wave of speculation.
The conversation took hold and three names began to dominate the collective imagination: Shakira, Rihanna and Beyoncé. Each has her own style, but they share a common denominator: an established career, a global fan base and a repertoire capable of turning Copacabana into an unforgettable celebration.
Shakira and the momentum of a world tour
Shakira is going through a particularly intense moment in her career thanks to Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour, one of the most ambitious tours of her career. The tour began in Brazil in early 2025 and will continue through Europe and Asia, revisiting both her great classics and her most recent releases. Her strong connection with Latin audiences and her artistic relevance position her as one of the strongest candidates to headline the next show.
Beyoncé and a long-awaited comeback
Beyoncé closed her successful Cowboy Carter tour in 2025, with performances in the United States and several European countries. Despite her enormous popularity in Brazil, the artist has not toured the country for years, an absence that her fans insistently demand. A show of hers in Copacabana would not only mark a long-awaited return, but would also represent a high-impact cultural event for the region.
Rihanna and the power of expectation
For her part, Rihanna has not performed in Brazil since Rock in Rio 2015, before the release of ANTI, her latest studio album. Her prolonged absence from the stage has fueled the mystery and desire for a comeback. An appearance at Copacabana would be considered a historic event and one of the most talked about comebacks of the year worldwide.
The expectation grew even more after the mayor shared an image with different music figures without offering further details, a gesture interpreted as a direct provocation to the public. Meanwhile, the city is dreaming big and the world is waiting to know who will be the next protagonist of this unprecedented show.
Find out more at ‘QueOnnda.com’.
