The only reason most pop stars are ever awake at 8 a.m. is usually when the party the night before has run particularly long.
But the summer series of concerts on NBC’s “Today” and ABC’s “Good Morning America” are high-profile enough to convince even the most avowed night owls in music to get up early — if only for one day.
The concerts, which start this week, are free and held on Friday mornings; “Today” at Rockefeller Plaza and “Good Morning America” in Central Park.
So which are the ones to catch? Here’s our picks:
May 24
Mariah Carey (“GMA”) Vs Fun. (“Today”)
A no-brainer to start the season: Fun. are indie-pop weaklings with two hits to their name and a singer with an irritatingly high-pitched voice.
Mariah Carey is one of the most successful vocalists of all time and delightfully crazy to boot.
There will only ever be one winner. Post Pick: Mariah Carey
May 31
Pitbull (“GMA”) vs New Kids On The Block/98 Degrees/Boyz II Men (“Today”)
The generation gap comes into play with this face-off. If you’re under 25 and into really bad dance music, Pitbull is your man.
If you’re over 35 and adore really bad boy bands, New Kids On The Block et al will be the choice. But at least with the New Kids, there’s a chance they’ll play “The Right Stuff” which was a great song, no matter how much you try to deny it. Post Pick: New Kids On The Block
June 14
Carly Rae Jepsen (“GMA”) vs Maroon 5 (“Today”)
Thank god Maroon 5 ditched their early alt-rock aspirations. Adam Levine and the boys are way more fun when they write catchy hooks.
Carly Rae Jepsen’s mall-pop antics are more one-note and the Canadian is clearly doomed to be associated with “Call Me Maybe” until the end of recorded time. On this Friday, she’s clearly punching above her weight class. Post Pick: Maroon 5
July 19
Jennifer Lopez (“GMA”) vs Fall Out Boy (“Today”)
We all know that J-Lo’s musical career has sucked for many years now and if her new collaboration with Pitbull (“Live It Up”) is any indication, the Latin star doesn’t sound like she’s about to stop the sucking any time soon.
Former emo poster kids Fall Out Boy are hardly in great shape either, after a long hiatus accompanied by a general shrug. But at least they didn’t make a song with Pitbull. Post Pick: Fall Out Boy
August 23
The Wanted (“GMA”) vs One Direction (“Today”)
It’s the Great British Boy Band throwdown! In one corner, the whiter-than-white One Direction, whose wholesome act has made them a parent-approved success over the past few years.
But if you (or your teenagers) prefer a little more rebellion, then the Wanted are much the better, and more exciting choice.
The two bands know they’re competing for fans and, in recent weeks, they’ve even been involved in Twitter spats. It’s only a matter of time before they start flinging Earl Grey at each other. Post Pick: The Wanted
August 30
Alicia Keys (“GMA”) vs Chris Brown (“Today”)
Perhaps it’s better to think of this as a musician versus a soap opera.
Alicia Keys has been a class act: immaculately turned out, prodigiously talented and, in the shape of her new album “Girl on Fire,” she’s been sounding rejuvenated of late.
Then there’s Chris Brown, who has again made headlines recently after breaking up with Rihanna and painting scary murals outside his home in LA.
His performance will no doubt mean to focus attention on his forthcoming album, “X.” But the turmoil that is Brown’s life will almost certainly eclipse his music once again.
Post Pick: Alicia Keys