Stray Kids to make history as first K-pop headliner for Rock in Rio
Stray Kids join Sir Elton John as headliners for next year's Rock in Rio Festival.
Stray Kids will make history as the first K-pop headline act at Rock in Rio,
Hot on the heels of Sir Elton John being announced as one of the headline acts at next year's festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the South Korean powerhouse have been confirmed as the top act on September 11, delighting Brazilian fans of the band.
The festival announced on Instagram: “For the first time in history, K-pop comes to Rock City. And who opens this new era is one of the biggest groups in the world: @realstraykids. The beat that conquered the planet will echo on the World Stage."
For Elton, it will mark his first time in Brazil in nearly a decade.
The 78-year-old music legend will take centre stage on September 7, closing the night on the festival’s iconic Palco Mundo (World Stage) with a performance that promises to be unforgettable.
Festival founder Roberto Medina hailed Elton’s appearance as a landmark moment, noting that the British icon is “about to write a new chapter in the history of the festival,” which has hosted legendary sets from acts such as Queen and Coldplay since its inception in 1985.
Medina said: “Rock in Rio was born to create unforgettable memories. We’re not just bringing Elton John back — we’re bringing a living legend.
"Having him on our World Stage is an honor. His journey, legacy, and the power of his music embody everything Rock in Rio stands for: emotion, connection, and the transformative force of art.
"Having Elton with us, after announcing his retirement from touring in 2023, reinforces the power of Rock in Rio to unite people through music and demonstrates the strength of this brand that carries Rio in its name.
"2026 will be an emblematic year — and we’re thrilled to welcome one of the greatest artists of all time."
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The Tiny Dancer hitmaker returns to Brazil following the conclusion of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour in 2023.
Sharing his excitement about the upcoming concert, Elton said: “I’ve always had a fantastic time whenever we’ve played in Brazil. I didn’t manage to get to South America for the farewell tour, so when Rock In Rio asked me to play, I said yes immediately. I love my Brazilian fans, they hold such a special place in my heart. The energy these big one-off shows have been giving me since I stopped touring is unbeatable. As a band, we’re playing brilliantly and we’re sounding as good as we ever have, and, importantly, we're still really loving playing together. I really cannot wait to return to Brazil next summer.”
Fans can expect a setlist packed with timeless classics, including Rocket Man, Your Song, Tiny Dancer, I’m Still Standing, and Candle in the Wind.
Ticket sales for the Rock in Rio Card, which secures entry before the full line-up is revealed, open on December 9 via Ticketmaster Brasil. The festival runs across two weekends — September 4–7 and September 11–13 — at Cidade do Rock, located in Rio de Janeiro’s Olympic Park.
The last time Elton performed in Brazil was in 2017, at Allianz Parque in São Paulo during his Wonderful Crazy Night tour.
