30 Times The TODAY Citi Concert Series Made History

Over the past three decades, the TODAY Plaza has been the backdrop for unforgettable cultural moments, from Olympic snow tubing and doggy talent shows to Al Roker fanfests. But perhaps most well-renowned are the electrifying free open-air musical performances. 

In 1995, just one year after TODAY moved into the iconic Studio 1A on Rockefeller Plaza, it launched the very first TODAY Concert Series—now a beloved tradition. 

For 30 years running, the TODAY Plaza in Rockefeller Center has hosted megastars like Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin, Rihanna, and Beyoncé, in addition to upcoming artists before they became household names. In celebration of all the artists who’ve rocked the Rock, here are 30 times the TODAY Concert Series made history.

30. Kelly Clarkson (2025)

NBC’s own Kelly Clarkson took the TODAY stage for an open-air performance of hits including “Behind These Hazel Eyes.” 

The Kelly Clarkson Show is filmed inside 30 Rockefeller Plaza and airs on weekdays on NBC. 

29. Chance the Rapper (2024)

Chance the Rapper rocked the Plaza with a performance of his hit “Sunday Candy.” 

Chance the Rapper has also appeared twice on NBC’s Saturday Night Live, in 2015 as the show’s first independent artist to perform and then as a host in 2017. 

28. Harry Styles (2022)

On the heels of his multi-platinum album Harry’s House, Styles packed the Plaza with fans who danced in the rain and sang along with “As It Was” and “Watermelon Sugar.” 

27. BTS (2020)

The K-Pop sensations hit the Plaza twice in 2020, first in February and again in September, with a virtual performance of “Dynamite,” giving TODAY viewers a captivating window into what makes them a global phenomenon. 

26. Kacey Musgraves (2019)

On a hot, sundrenched morning in July 2019, Kacey Musgraves gave country fans a four-song sampler of her flawless voice, elegant guitar playing, and heartfelt songwriting that have racked up eight Grammy awards and counting.

  ^{Kacey Musgraves, Citi Concert Series (2019)}

25. Jennifer Lopez (2019)

Kicking off the summer concert series sitting on a giant black and white horse, J-Lo dazzled fans with four costume changes and jaw-dropping performances of hits, including fan-favorite “On the Floor.” 

Jennifer Lopez was also a judge and executive producer on NBC’s World of Dance.

24. Jonas Brothers (2019)

2019 was the year the Jonas Brothers announced their reunion after a 6-year hiatus. Their Happiness Begins reunion tour hit fans with good vibes and great tunes, including this early morning stop on the TODAY Plaza where Joe, Kevin, and Nick wowed the crowd with live versions of “Sucker,” “S.O.S.,” and “Cool.”

The Jonas Brothers and NBC both have Olympic gold on their minds. In fact, Joe, Kevin, and Nick even had their own NBC special that aired before the Tokyo Olympic Games, Olympic Dreams Featuring the Jonas Brothers.

23. Lizzo (2019)

Six years after dropping her debut album, Lizzo skyrocketed to stardom in 2019. The Entertainer of the Year arrived in a cameo white Pontiac Bonneville convertible to “Here Comes the Bride,” and then proceeded to take Midtown downtown with “Truth Hurts.” 

^{Lizzo, Citi Concert Series (2019)}

22. Ed Sheeran (2017)

Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” was the No. 1 single in 30 countries when he showed up in Rock Center to regale fans and tourists with that and other hits off his record-breaking album, Divide. 

21. Celine Dion (2016)

It wasn’t Celine Dion’s first performance on the Plaza, but it was the most heartfelt one. Just seven months after losing her beloved husband, René Angélil, the singer gave a moving performance to tearful fans with an indomitable rendition of “Because You Loved Me.”

20. Fleetwood Mac (2014)

During their long-awaited reunion tour, the legendary Fleetwood Mac made a memorable stop at the Plaza. Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, Christine McVie, Mick Fleetwood, and John McVie reunited to perform hits from the band’s legendary catalogue including iconic tracks like “Go Your Own Way.” 

19. Ariana Grande (2014)

On the morning of August 29, Ariana Grande took a break from topping the charts to perform “Bang Bang,” “Problem,” and then wrapped up the set with a duet of “Break Your Heart Right Back” with Childish Gambino. 

You might recognize Ariana Grande as “Glinda” the good witch, costar in Universal Pictures’ Wicked. 

18. Nicki Minaj (2012)

The world’s best-selling female rapper hit the TODAY Plaza just one year after becoming a global sensation, dazzling fans and tourists with her lyrical virtuosity and a magnetic stage show. For Minaj fans who remember, this was the era of “Starships,” “I am Your Leader,” “Beez In The Trap,” and “Pound the Alarm.”

17. Katy Perry (2010)

Just a month after Lady Gaga set a new high bar, Katy Perry showed up with giant lollipops, gummi bears, cotton candy and a killer live performance of her No. 1 single “California Gurls.” 

Summer of 2010 saw an incredible run of performances in the TODAY Plaza. As if Lady Gaga and Katy Perry weren’t enough, the first summer of the decade also saw performances by Sting, James Taylor, Carole King, Taylor Swift, Ke$ha, Train, Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Bruno Mars, and Justin Bieber. 

16. Lady Gaga (2010)

Gaga fans showed up in record numbers on a rainy morning in July to see their idol. “Let it rain, let it pour – you can’t stop us!” Lady Gaga shouted to 20,000 cheering fans that stopped traffic on 6th Avenue. She played jazz standards and her iconic “Bad Romance” in one of TODAY’s most unforgettable concerts. 

Lady Gaga hosted SNL for a second time on March 8 earlier this year, showing off her comedic side as well as blasting out an electrifying version of “Abracadabra.” 

15. Taylor Swift (2009)

Legions of Swifties packed the TODAY Plaza while Taylor performed megahits including “Love Story” and “You Belong With Me.” The electrifying set showcased her remarkable voice and mesmerizing stage presence, and drew one of the largest crowds the Summer Concert Series had ever seen.

^{Taylor Swift, Citi Concert Series (2009) photo credit: Theo Wargo / WireImage}

14. Beyoncé (2008)

Beyoncé brought the heat to the Plaza on a chilly morning the day before Thanksgiving with her latest hit, “All the Single Ladies.” She also performed the Etta James classic “At Last.” 

13. Fergie (2008)

The former Black Eyed Peas singer blasted out a high-energy set including the Heart classic, “Barracuda.” It wasn’t just her vocals that had fans captivated, nearly every jaw in the Plaza dropped when she pulled off two one-handed cartwheels mid-verse. 

12. Rihanna (2007)

Returning after her first appearance in 2006, the 18-year-old megastar conquered the plaza with a new album, new look, and the No. 1 single, “Umbrella.” And yes, she performed the song holding an umbrella. 

11. Billy Joel & Tony Bennett (2006)

The TODAY audience could hardly believe their luck when two of American music’s most iconic artists joined forces.  During a free, live duet on the Plaza, the two stars performed “The Good Life” to a crowd of adoring fans. 

^{Billy Joel and Tony Bennett, Citi Concert Series (2006) photo credit: AP}

10. Humanity Plaza Aids Hurricane Victims (2005)

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the TODAY Plaza transformed into “Humanity Plaza” as Tracy Chapman, Josh Groban, Stevie Nicks and other stars performed for “Make a Difference Today,” benefiting victims of the disaster. 

9. Bon Jovi (2004)

On November 23, New Jersey’s rock icons made one of several appearances on the TODAY Plaza, belting out “You Give Love a Bad Name” and “It’s My Life,” while scores of fans danced and sang along with Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora. 

8. Mariah Carey (2003)

The multi-octave megastar could be heard all the way from the Top of the Rock as her pitch-perfect and soulful performance of tracks from Charm Bracelet charmed fans and tourists alike. 

7. Justin Timberlake (2002)

Former NSYNC star Justin Timberlake was just making the first moves of his Grammy-winning debut as a solo artist when he showed up and wowed the crowd with his signature dance moves and tracks “Like I Love You” and “Cry Me a River.” 

6. Tim McGraw (2001)

The country music superstar packed the Plaza with 4,000 fans who turned out early to hear him perform tunes from his sixth studio album, Set This Circus Down, including “Angel Boy,” “Things Change,” and “Grown Men Don’t Cry.”

5. Britney Spears (2000)

Already a worldwide sensation, an 18-year-old Britney Spears rocked the plaza with three songs that defined the pop music of the era – “Oops! … I Did It Again,” “Lucky” and the megahit “Baby, One More Time.” 

4. Ricky Martin (1999)

Puerto Rican megastar Ricky Martin brought La Vida Loca on June 11 – and drew the largest crowd the TODAY Plaza had seen to date.

3. Whitney Houston (1998)

Soulful, beautiful music warmed a chilly December morning in front of Rockefeller Center’s Christmas Tree as Whitney Houston performed songs from her first studio album in eight years, My Love Is Your Love. 

^{Whitney Houston, Citi Concert Series (1998) photo credit: NBC}

2. Prince Changed His Name, But Rocked the Rock All the Same (1996)

Shortly after Prince changed his name to an unpronounceable symbol, the legendary star took to the TODAY Show stage for an unforgettable performance. 

1. Earth, Wind & Fire take the Plaza by Storm (1995)

Jamming to “September” on a warm June morning in the heart of New York City? Yes, please! The first-ever free open-air concert in TODAY Plaza showed that it’s never too early for legendary R&B. 

This summer, get your free pass to the 30th Annual TODAY Citi Concert Series and see your favorite artists live. 

2025 Citi Concert Series on TODAY Schedule

May 6 – Kelly Clarkson

May 13 – Blake Shelton

May 30 – Sebastián Yatra

June 6 – Cynthia Erivo

June 20 – mgk

June 27 – Reneé Rapp

July 11 – Ciara

July 18 – Trisha Yearwood

July 23 – Jessica Simpson

July 25 – Zac Brown Band

Aug 1 – Maroon Five

Aug 8 – Jonas Brothers

Aug 15 – Conan Gray

Aug 22 – FINNEAS

Aug 29 – Role Model