Actress Ingrid Guimarães celebrated on Sunday after singer Anitta was confirmed as the new drum queen of Rio de Janeiro samba school Acadêmicos do Grande Rio. At 33, the pop star takes over the coveted role from influencer Virginia Fonseca, 28.
The actress, 54, reacted to the news on social media by writing thank God in the comments under the official announcement. Her reaction amused online followers, who joined in to praise the decision, with several commenters calling Anitta a true queen and joking that Guimarães had publicly voiced what everyone else was thinking.
In Brazilian Carnival culture, the drum queen, known locally as the rainha de bateria, holds one of the most prominent and prestigious positions during the annual parades. Positioned directly in front of the percussion section, the queen represents the school before judges and tens of thousands of spectators at the Sambadrome.
Anitta confirmed as Grande Rio drum queen
Acadêmicos do Grande Rio and Anitta made the announcement across their social media profiles on Sunday. The samba school announced that its parade will explore themes of faith, ancestry, returning to one's homeland, and time, honoring cultural traditions by examining the past with feet planted firmly in the present.
Anitta explained that she felt an immediate connection between the theme and her current stage of life and artistic career. She stated that she accepted the invitation with deep respect, pointing out that Carnival represents a vital force for thousands of people and a history of resistance spanning decades that turns parades into political and revolutionary demonstrations.
The singer also emphasized that her personal presence would never overshadow the school, the parade, the community, or the dedicated professionals who work throughout the year to build the carnival production.
Busy schedule poses challenge for Carnival reign
Anitta acknowledged that succeeding Fonseca brings notable logistical challenges alongside the honor. The performer said that she intends to put forward her best effort, as she does with all her work, but noted that her packed schedule and travel routine as a recording artist present substantial hurdles because she refuses to step away from her music fans.
Fonseca had previously held the drum queen title, having built a following of tens of millions of fans online. Guimarães remains a prominent figure in Brazilian cinema and television comedy, while Anitta continues to tour internationally as one of Brazil's biggest global music exports.
