Fans were surprised by the casting of the American artist, one of the most popular names at the event, at Sunset, a stage that is considered secondary
The public was surprised when the organization of the Rock in Rio 2024 announced Mariah Carey as one of the attractions on the Sunset stage, considered parallel to the main one, the World. Many felt that the American, as one of the artists who sold the most records in the history of music — exceeding 220 million copies — deserved to perform in the event’s most traditional space.
According to Roberto Medinait would be impossible. In an interview with Braulio Lorentz for g1the businessman and creator of the event revealed that when the possibility of bringing Mariah arose, the program for the Mundo stage was already closed. At the time, the space was occupied by Shawn Mendes, Akon (in a highly criticized show), Ne-Yo and Luisa Sonza. Carey composed the Sunset lineup with Ney Matogrosso, OlodumBaiana and a tribute to Alcyone.
He stated:
“When the opportunity to bring Mariah arose, we were already committed to other artists on Palco Mundo. So, it was a combination of factors, I couldn’t cast Mariah on Palco Mundo that day… but the repercussion of the show was incredible.”
Furthermore, Medina recalled that the Sunset stage received an “upgrade” in relation to other editions of Rock in Rio. He said:
“I understood the complaints, because people still didn’t know that Sunset would have the same size and structure as Palco Mundo. There are always complaints and I talk to artists a lot about this. We know that 25% of complaints come from haters who will always complain.”
For him, the presence of the American woman in the space in question “it stamped the idea that it is a stage the same size as the world”. The businessman adds: “For me, the result was very cool”.
K-pop at Rock in Rio
Also during the interview, Roberto Medina discussed the possibility of bringing K-pop artists to Rock in Rio. The businessman is open to the idea, but revealed that it has not yet been possible to combine agendas.
“I have no problem having a K-pop band at Rock in Rio. There was no coincidence of dates with big bands like blackpinkbut we are open to that possibility. The dates haven’t been agreed yet and we need the band’s intention to come to Brazil. It doesn’t just depend on the festival’s wishes. The choice of attractions is not just mine, it is based on research and what the public wants. Then, for each day, we try to divide it by age group and musical style, but we can’t always do it the way we would like.”
The Town 2025
Scheduled for 2026, the next edition of Rock in Rio does not have a date to take place. Already the The Townproduced by the same creators as the Rio festival, will take place on the 6th, 7th, 12th, 13th and 14th of September, at the Autódromo de Interlagos, in São Paulo. Names such as Katy Perry, Green Day, Bruce Dickinsonbetween others.
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
