Photos by FDRMX
Jason Derulo (cue cheesy Jason Deruulooo soundclip) hopped onstage today for a special 4th of July performance on Good Morning America in Central Park. Meanwhile, just a few blocks south, Ed Sheeran geared up to deliver some heartfelt ballads to a small swarm of fans clustered in in Rockefeller Center via the TODAY show. Both concerts, meticulously staged by experienced morning TV show crews, were part of summer concert series sponsored by competing networks ABC and NBC. Likewise, the events went head-to-head for early-morning views on Independance Day.
While each concert was free open to the public, the TODAY show managed crowds at Sheeran’s performance by issuing a limited number of ‘fan passes’. Sheeran performed songs off his new album “X” (pronounced “multiply”), which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 last week. He performed solo, with no band or vocal backup, giving the audience a personalized performance. Derulo performed with a full band and crew of back-up dancers, highlighting his newest single “Wiggle” featuring Snoop Dogg. While Derulo’s “Wiggle” anthem can hardly be compared to Ed Sheeran’s souful lyricism ( Just try comparing the bridge “You know what to do with that big fat butt!” to “All I want is the taste that your lips allow”.) the song’s beat, featuring a poppy toy flute, is undeniably infectious.
Derulo’s performance, which stuck to a formulaic pop routine, was more memorable for his slick back-up dancers than any outstanding connection with his fans. We can only hope Snoop Dogg makes a surprise appearance during Jason’s newly-announced U.S. tour. GMA and the TODAY show will continue to host their respective summer concert series.
All performances are free and open to all ages -just make sure you arrive early enough. See the remaining line-ups below for acts to follow in July and August:
Concerts take place every Friday morning 7 a.m. – 9.00 a.m. in Central Park at Rumsey Field.
July 11: Keith Urban
July 18: Zedd
July 25: Kings of Leon
August 1: Enrique Iglesias
August 8: Luke Bryan
August 15: Florida Georgia Line
August 22: Robin Thicke
August 29: Brad Paisley
TODAY’s Toyota Summer Concert Series:
Concerts take place outside TODAY’s window-on-the-world studio, located at 49th Street and Rockefeller Plaza.
July 10: John Legend (Thursday)
July 11: Fifth Harmony
July 18: Jason Mraz
July 22: Five Seconds of Summer.
July 25: OneRepublic
August 1: Aloe Blacc
August 8: TBD
August 15: Neon Trees
August 22: Hunter Hayes
August 29: Ariana Grande
September 1: Maroon 5 (Monday)
September 5: Usher