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Elton John and Gilberto Gil headline Rock in Rio 2026
The Rock in Rio 2026 festival in Rio de Janeiro featured high-profile performances, most notably by Elton John and Gilberto Gil. Elton John, 79, performed a special set that served as a symbolic farewell to Brazil, a country he felt he owed a debt to after his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour missed Latin America due to pandemic restrictions. Despite facing physical challenges, including vision impairment, the British icon performed classics such as ‘Rocket Man’ and ‘Your Song’ for a crowd of over 100,000 people.
Earlier in the evening, Brazilian legend Gilberto Gil, 84, delivered a performance that included hints that it might be his last appearance at the festival. Gilberto Gil and Elton John also shared a notable moment meeting in the backstage area, where John praised the Brazilian musician as a ‘legend’ and a ‘brilliant man.’
Other notable acts included Jon Batiste, who delivered a high-energy performance blending jazz, R&B, and soul, and Ne-Yo, who performed on the Sunset Stage. The festival also saw appearances by Roupa Nova, who returned to the stage after 35 years, and João Gordo, who performed a set honoring the Ramones.
Entities
Asteróides Trio · Calvin Harris · Cidade do Rock · Elton John · Gilberto Gil · Jon Batiste · João Gordo · Luísa Sonza · Matanza Ritual · Ne-Yo · Péricles · Rio de Janeiro
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Nelly's set included hits such as 'Dilemma', 'Ride wit me', and 'Hot in Herre'.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Nelly performed at the Rock in Rio Palco Mundo on Sunday.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The couple had their first child, Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, in July 2024.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Nelly and Ashanti married in 2023.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Nelly and Ashanti reconciled their relationship in 2021.