At 63: Xuxa's Nostalgia Show is Driving Brazil Crazy
Outside of South America, it might seem as though she disappeared, but the children's star we all grew up with never stopped creating. Now, in her seventh decade, she is starring in Brazil with a nostalgic show that is breaking box office records and celebrating her remarkable career.
At the age of 63, Xuxa Meneghel, long considered the "children's queen" of Brazil and a global star for many years, is making headlines once again. Last weekend in São Paulo, she opened "O Último Voo da Nave" (The Last Flight of the Spaceship), a grand production that summarizes her career and revives the iconic symbols that made her one of the greatest television stars in the country's history.
The tour's debut at the Allianz Parque stadium played to a full house, and due to overwhelming demand, additional dates have already been added. While it may feel like a comeback to those outside of Brazil, Xuxa never truly retired; she has remained active in television, music, and various projects. However, this production marks a return to massive stages, celebrating nearly four decades of a stellar career.
One of the evening's most viral moments occurred when Xuxa stepped back from the microphone. When it came time to perform "Parabéns," the birthday song synonymous with her performances, she announced she wouldn't sing, leaving the stage to the audience. Tens of thousands of fans sang in her place, and the footage quickly became a social media sensation, fueled by a massive wave of nostalgia.
For those who remember, Xuxa visited Israel in 1996. A clip for her song "Ose Shalom" (Making Peace), in which she sings in three languages, was broadcast on the Children's Channel. Following the broadcast, she performed in Israel and filmed a commercial for the Elite company's "Shush" snack. That same year, she recorded a Portuguese version of the song "HaBatlanim" (by Avi Kushnir and Nathan Datner) for her album "Tô de Bem com a Vida."
Beyond the nostalgia, thousands online were captivated by her appearance. At 63, Xuxa displayed remarkable physical fitness, and photos and videos from the show flooded Instagram and TikTok with countless comments like, "It's impossible to believe she's 63." Once again, Xuxa has become one of the most talked-about figures in Brazil.
