Lady Gaga has shared a touching message after her record-breaking show in Brazil, where police stopped a planned bomb attack just hours before the concert.
An estimated 2.5 million fans, known as Little Monsters, filled Copacabana Beach to watch Gaga perform. But while fans were enjoying the music, police were working behind the scenes to stop a dangerous plot.
Authorities revealed that the Civil Police in Rio de Janeiro, along with Brazil’s Justice and Public Security Ministry, uncovered the threat during Operation Fake Monster. The raid led to nine arrests, according to local news outlet Globo.
One man was arrested in Rio Grande do Sul for illegal gun possession. Another arrest involved a teenager who was reportedly keeping child sexual abuse images. Both were tied to the same group.
Police said the suspects were part of a group spreading hate speech and planning a violent attack, mostly targeting children, teens, and LGBTQIA+ people.
Investigators believe the group viewed the attack as a way to gain fame on social media. They were planning to use homemade bombs and Molotov cocktails for a series of coordinated attacks.
Gaga, 39, performed on Saturday night as part of her Mayhem tour, her first show in Brazil in over 10 years. She last visited the country in 2012.
On Instagram, she posted emotional words and photos for her 60 million followers. While she didn’t talk about the bomb threat, her message focused on hope and strength.
“Nothing could have prepared me for the feeling I had during last night’s show,” she wrote. “The pride and joy I felt singing for Brazil was overwhelming.”
She added, “Your culture is so vibrant. I’m so thankful I shared this historic moment with you.”
She confirmed the event broke a major record: “An estimated 2.5 million people came to see me sing—the largest crowd for any woman in history.”
Gaga said she wished she could share the feeling with the world, adding: “If you lose your way, you can find it again by believing in yourself and working hard.”
She went on to say, “You can give yourself dignity by practising your craft and pushing yourself. You can rise, even if it takes time.”
She closed her post with: “Thank you, Ri,o for waiting. Thank you, Little Monsters around the world. I love you. I will never forget this moment.”
She signed off with: “Paws u, Little Monsters. Obrigada. Love, Mother Monster.”
The show had massive security—over 5,000 police and military officers, drones and metal detectors were used as fans queued for hours. Officials wanted to ensure safety at what was called the “event of the decade.”
Local authorities said the concert brought in over 500,000 tourists and could give the local economy a $100 million boost.
On stage, Gaga addressed the roaring crowd with a heartfelt speech.
“Tonight, we’re making history,” she said. “But no one makes history alone. Without all of you—the people of Brazil—I wouldn’t have this moment.”
She added: “What I’m most thankful for is this—you waited for me. You waited more than 10 years. Brazil, I’m ready. I will give it my all.”
Gaga was forced to cancel her 2017 Brazil concerts due to fibromyalgia, a condition that causes pain and fatigue.
Her comeback show included songs from her full career, from Bloody Mary to her new single Abracadabra.
This isn’t the first time Copacabana has seen huge concerts. Last year, Madonna drew 1.6 million fans there, then the largest solo show ever.
Now, Gaga holds the record for the biggest solo concert by a female artist, and the venue is expected to host yearly shows until 2028, meaning her new title could soon face new challengers.
Fans celebrated the historic moment online.
“She’s unstoppable,” one user wrote.
“That’s insanely LEGENDARY!” said another.
“And this is why Lady Gaga is THE popstar of our generation,” a fan postedInsaneee,” another added.
