Rock in Rio 2026: the shows critics loved — and the ones that split opinions

In Terra’s wrap-up, Elton John topped the list for holding his voice through over two hours of classics, followed by Jamiroquai and the pairing of Roupa Nova with Guilherme Arantes. Demi Lovato drew one of the festival’s biggest crowds, and Ivete Sangalo was consistent in her 20th appearance at the event.

On the negative side were Machine Gun Kelly, seen as out of place on metal day, and Maroon 5, for a predictable setlist. The critic was also unconvinced by Luísa Sonza’s mix of bossa nova and funk, and found Calvin Harris less memorable than Alok.