Shakira has been confirmed as the headliner for this year’s free Copacabana Beach concert in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The 49-year-old “Whenever, Wherever” singer will perform as part of the annual “Todo Mundo no Rio” event, with the concert expected to take place on May 2. Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes shared the news on social media on Wednesday, posting a video of Shakira with the caption “Confirmed!”

The announcement came one day before Rio’s city hall and the state government were scheduled to hold a press conference formally presenting this year’s event, according to Reuters. People familiar with the production indicated that the mayor’s post referred to Shakira’s upcoming performance.

Rio’s Vice Mayor also addressed the news online, writing: “And 2026… is SHAKIRA at Copacabana on @todomundonorio on May 2nd! And ah… Now we discover that the Mayor @eduardopaes said he wanted U2, but apparently he was just hiding the game to bring @shakira to the biggest stage in the world!!!”

The Copacabana Beach concerts have become a major annual fixture in the city’s cultural calendar. Madonna performed at the beach in 2024, followed by Lady Gaga in 2025, with both events drawing millions of attendees.

According to Reuters, Lady Gaga’s concert generated an estimated 600 million reais, approximately $115.71 million, for Rio’s local economy.

Shakira’s appearance follows the continued success of her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour, which is currently recognised as the highest-grossing Hispanic tour of all time. Her Copacabana performance is expected to attract a similarly large international audience to the Brazilian coastline.