An estimated 1.1 million people packed Havana's Plaza of the Revolution on Sunday (9/20) for Juanes [ tickets ]' controversial "Peace Without Borders" concert, which featured 15 artists from six countries, including Cuba's own Los Van Van and Silvio Rodriguez, according to the Miami Hearld.

Juanes' plans to host a concert in Cuba--and include government-backed performers such as Rodriguez and Los Van Van--stirred up a lot of conflicting feelings among Cuban exiles living in Miami. Some criticized Juanes for agreeing to share the stage with artists connected to the Cuban government, saying the Colombian performer was sending a pro-Castro message. But many in Miami reportedly thought the show was a good start in trying to bridge the divide between the island and the exile community.

Although the performers had agreed to not make overt political statements, much of the music and from-the-stage banter reportedly was peppered with personal viewpoints. A female rapper performing with X Alfonso chanted, "Down with the control. Down with those who manipulate you," according to the Hearld report. Spanish pop singer Miguel Bose told the crowd, "We're all here together--for the dream of concord, for the dream of dialogue."

Juanes, who continuously insisted the concert was not meant to be political, also took the opportunity to share his beliefs when he shouted from the stage: "Cuba libre! Cuba libre!" (Free Cuba!).

Shortly after the concert, Juanes told the Miami Hearld that the day was indeed about much more than music. "There aren't words to talk about something so huge, something that's so beyond music," he said. "There is the power of art, the power of music. We're so happy because the people are happy, and that's what matters to us."

The concert also made history as the first live music event broadcast from Cuba to Miami.