Lady Gaga performs for 2.5 million fans at Brazil concert

Lady Gaga has shared an emotional message expressing her love for Brazil after police foiled a bomb attack on her concert in Rio de Janeiro.

The Poker Face star played a record-breaking free concert on Copacabana beach on Saturday to an audience of around 2.5 million. It later emerged that a planned attack on the gig using improvised explosives had been thwarted by cops.

Lady Gaga has since told fans how much the gig meant to her.

In a post on Instagram, the singer shared pictures taken at the gig and wrote: "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 how grateful I am to have shared this historical moment with you.

"An estimated 2.5 million people came to see me sing, the biggest crowd for any woman in history. I wish I could share this feeling with the whole world - I know I can't, but I can say this - if you lose your way, you can find your way back if you believe in yourself and work hard.

"You can give yourself dignity by rehearsing your passion and your craft, pushing yourself to new heights - you can lift yourself up even if it takes some time."

She concluded the message by writing: "Thank you Rio for waiting for me to come back. Thank you little monsters all over the world. I love you. I will never forget this moment. Paws up little monsters. Obrigada. Love, Mother Monster."

The two-hour show was paid for by the city of Rio de Janeiro in an effort to boost the local economy with around 500,000 tourists reported to have travelled to the city in order to event the concert.

It was the biggest concert of Gaga's career and her first performance in Brazil since 2012.