Madonna attracts 1.6 million to free concert at Brazil's Copacabana beach

The sand and oceanfront boulevard around Rio de Janeiro's famed beach were filled for several blocks by a crowd the city estimated at 1.6 million.

Madonna attracts 1.6 million to free concert at Brazil's Copacabana beach

More than a million people thronged Brazil's Copacabana beach for a free Madonna concert on Saturday, braving the heat to see the end of her "Celebration" world tour.

The sand and oceanfront boulevard around Rio de Janeiro's famed beach were filled for several blocks by a crowd the city estimated at 1.6 million.

Many had been there for hours or even days to get a good spot, while richer fans anchored in dozens of boats near the beach and onlookers crowded beachfront apartments.

Firefighters sprayed water before the concert, when temperatures exceeded 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), to cool fans gathered near the pop queen's stage, and drinking water was distributed for free. Temperatures were around 27 C (81 F) during the late night show.

Madonna, 65, performed songs such as "Like a Prayer", "Vogue" and "Express Yourself" for over two hours from 10:45 p.m. (0145 GMT on Sunday) as she wound up the greatest hits tour that started late last year.