Academicos do Grande Rio samba school experienced a surge in online interest during the Carnival season, as Virginia Fonseca, a popular influencer, took on the role of drum queen. Data from Google Trends revealed that the search traffic for the school surpassed even the previous year's figures when they won their first title in history, highlighting the impact of celebrity involvement in events like Carnival. The uptick in online searches reflects a growing trend of influencers shaping the perception and relevance of cultural events among the general public.

However, the performance of Grande Rio in the parade did not match the surging interest it garnered online. The school finished in eighth place with a score of 268.7 points during the Carnival, presenting a theme titled 'The Nation of the Mangrove'. In stark contrast, the champion of the parade, Viradouro, secured the top position with a score of 270 points. This disconnect between online popularity and parade performance raises questions about the influence of social media on traditional events and whether it translates into success on the ground.

Virginia's appointment as the drum queen in May last year sparked considerable debate on social media, attracting both supporters and critics. The prior titleholder, actress Paolla Oliveira, was replaced, leading to discussions about the role of influencers in cultural festivities and the challenges that such figures may face. Reports of threats and insults directed at the drumming master highlight the contentious nature of this role, suggesting a complex relationship between celebrity, tradition, and audience expectations in Brazilian Carnival.