Demi Lovato and Maroon 5 headlined Palco Mundo, the main stage at Rock in Rio 2026, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, September 12, as the festival's 11th edition reached its second Saturday and sixth overall day of shows.
Rock in Rio is one of the world's largest music festivals. First held in Rio de Janeiro in 1985, it has since grown into a multi-day event held across several stages, with editions also staged in cities such as Lisbon and Madrid. The festival was created by Brazilian entrepreneur Roberto Medina.
Lovato, one of the most anticipated acts of the year at the festival, arrived in Brazil on Thursday, September 10. The American singer rose to fame as a child star on Disney Channel, appearing in productions such as "Camp Rock" and "Sonny with a Chance," before building a solo pop career with albums including "Confident" and "Dancing with the Devil." She is scheduled to play two more shows in São Paulo on September 15 and 16 as part of her international tour, "It's Not That Deep."
Maroon 5, the Grammy-winning American pop rock band formed in Los Angeles and fronted by Adam Levine, is known for hits including "Sugar," "Moves Like Jagger" and "This Love." The band also toured Brazil this month with its "Love Is Like World Tour," performing in São José do Rio Preto on September 6, in Salvador on September 8 and in São Paulo on September 10, ahead of its Rock in Rio set.
The rest of Saturday's line-up featured Brazilian names including funk-pop artist Pedro Sampaio, piseiro singer João Gomes, DJ Alok, one of the world's most streamed electronic music artists, forró singer Priscila Senna and accordionist Mestrinho. Colombian reggaeton star J Balvin, known for hits such as "Mi Gente" and "Ginza," also performed, alongside Delacruz and Milo J. In total, Saturday's programming spanned six stages, running from early afternoon into the early hours of Sunday morning.
Saturday's full line-up
On Palco Mundo, Pedro Sampaio opened at 4:40pm, followed by J Balvin at 7pm, Demi Lovato at 9:20pm and Maroon 5 closing the stage at 12:05am.
Palco Sunset featured Criolo, Amaro & Dino at 3:30pm, Gilsons with guests Daniela Mercury and Olodum at 5:50pm, João Gomes alongside the Orquestra Brasileira at 8:10pm and British folk rock band Mumford & Sons, known for the song "I Will Wait," at 10:45pm.
At the New Dance Order electronic stage, Bhaskar played at 9:05pm, Adam Sellouk at 10pm and Gabe at 11pm, before Alok took over with Alok & Family - Ekanta & Swarup at midnight and Alok Pres. Rave The World at 1:30am.
Espaço Favela, the stage dedicated to Brazilian urban culture, hosted Soul de Brasileiro at 3pm, Priscila Senna at 4:50pm and Timbalada at 7:10pm. Palco Supernova, which showcases new and rising artists, ran Celo Dut at 2:30pm, Yago Oproprio at 4pm, Milo J at 6pm and Delacruz at 8:10pm. On Palco Global Village, dedicated to world and Brazilian regional music, Badi Assad performed at 3pm, Hamilton de Holanda at 4:50pm and Mestrinho at 7:10pm.
Sunday's closing night
Rock in Rio 2026 is set to close on Sunday, September 13, with performances from Twenty One Pilots, the American duo of Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun known for songs such as "Stressed Out" and "Heathens"; Swedish pop singer Zara Larsson, known for "Lush Life"; Brazilian axé singer Ivete Sangalo, often called the Queen of Axé; and American singer-songwriter Halsey, known for "Without Me."
The headline acts are due on stage in the late afternoon and through the night, with the final Palco Mundo performance of the edition beginning at 12:05am Brasília time. Sunday will mark the final day of Rock in Rio's 11th edition this year.
