USA TODAY's music writers suggest five tours you shouldn't miss:
1. Rihanna
Rude Boy is the Barbados native's 14th hit to go top 10, tying her with Beyoncé for most by a female artist since 2000.
Setting the stage: Rihanna's 25-date Last Girl on Earth tour of arenas and amphitheaters starts July 2 in Auburn, Wash., and wraps up Aug. 28 in Syracuse, N.Y. She'll also appear July 12 at Lilith Fair in Salt Lake City.
Why it's a tour de force: Rihanna's North American jaunt will come hot on the heels of two months of sold-out shows in Europe, which wrap up June 5 at the Rock in Rio festival in Madrid. The sultry star's show includes elaborate sets, special effects, sexy choreography and a plethora of eye-popping, skin-baring get-ups. Ke$ha — herself a chart-topping hitmaker — is the opening act. — Steve Jones
Cost: $20-$105
2. Adam Lambert
The dashing and colorful American Idol runner-up headlines his first North American tour.
Setting the stage: Lambert's Glam Nation tour kicks off June 4 in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., with more than 30 concerts to follow. Shows are currently scheduled through Sept. 18 in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Why it's a tour de force: Lambert, a dazzling singer, set the Idol standard for showmanship, and his devoted fan base will turn out in full force. The tour's support acts — flame-haired fellow Idol finalist Allison Iraheta and Australian guitarist Orianthi — make the package especially promising: Orianthi played on Lambert's album, and Iraheta's Slow Ride duet with Lambert was a highlight of their Idol season and the subsequent tour. — Brian Mansfield
Cost: $29-$73.50
3. Justin Bieber
Pop music's latest tween sensation has been inescapable in recent months, with a No. 1 album (My World 2.0) backed by appearances on Oprah, Saturday Night Live and American Idol.
Setting the stage: The 16-year-old's headlining tour kicks off June 23 in Hartford, Conn., and will reach 40-plus cities before wrapping Sept. 4 in Allentown, Pa. Sean Kingston and Jessica Jarrell are featured guests.
Why it's a tour de force: Like, are you kidding me? Bieber proved his pubescent charisma on YouTube before landing a record deal, and recent appearances had to be canceled after screaming girls got out of control. Just ask your 12-year-old how cool it would be to have Bieber pull her on stage to croon One Less Lonely Girl to her — as he'll do for one lucky fan at each show. — Elysa Gardner
Cost: $46.50-$75.50
4. Carole Kingand James Taylor
The beloved trailblazers of the singer/songwriter movement in the early 1970s.
Setting the stage: Their Troubadour Reunion tour includes a 45-date American leg, wrapping July 20 in Anaheim, Calif. It will feature some stageside table-for-two seats (proceeds go to charity) meant to create a club feel.
Why it's a tour de force: The tour evolved out of the pair's shows marking the 50th anniversary of West Hollywood's Troubadour club. With Art Garfunkel's ailing voice forcing postponements on his tour with Paul Simon, this is the best bet for reunion-minded Boomers. — Jerry Shriver
Cost: $95-$179
5. Eagles, Dixie Chicks and Keith Urban
One of the biggest rock acts of the '70s and '80s, the Eagles reunited in 1994 after a 14-year hiatus. They've remained a top-grossing force whenever they've hit the road.
Setting the stage:The Eagles and the Dixie Chicks flock together for eight stadium dates, from June 8 in Toronto to June 24 in St. Louis. Keith Urban joins for shows in East Rutherford, N.J.; Foxborough, Mass.; and Chicago.
Why it's a tour de force: The three shows with Urban put one of the biggest country-rock groups of all time on the same stage as two broad-appeal country acts capable of headlining arenas. Plus, they'll put the Chicks in front of live audiences for the first time in four years. — Brian Mansfield
Cost: $50-$225
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