RIO DE JANEIRO, May 3 -- Rio's famed Copacabana beach was sizzling with energy yesterday, ahead of a free performance by Latin pop queen Shakira that will likely be her biggest concert to date.

About two million people are expected to attend the free outdoor concert by the 49-year-old Colombian superstar, who will perform on a massive stage outside the legendary Copacabana Hotel.

This beach has hosted the biggest divas in pop in recent years, with Madonna striking a pose for 1.6 million in 2024 and Lady Gaga singing her greatest hits to 2.1 million fans last year.

To see the show, superfan Graciele Vaz slept on the beach Friday night after traveling four hours from the resort town of Paraty.

"I've been a Shakira fan for more than 20 y...