Washington, May 5 -- Lady Gaga held a free concert at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro recently, performing tracks from her massive catalogue of hits for an estimated crowd of 2.5 million people.

The gig, which was the pop superstar's first in Brazil in almost a decade, shattered the record for the most-attended concert by a female artist in history, which had previously been held by Madonna, according to concert organisers, reported People.

"Nothing could prepare me for the feeling I had during last night's show -- the absolute pride and joy I felt singing for the people of Brazil. The sight of the crowd during my opening songs took my breath away. Your heart shines so bright, your culture is so vibrant and special, I hope you know h...