NEW Kids on the Block have saved the “Today” show from embarrassment – gallantly replacing Paula Abdul on the show’s summer concert series.

“Today” announced last week that Abdul had backed out of her scheduled Aug. 29 appearance – for the second time this season.

Abdul was originally booked to perform her new single, “Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow,” in April – but canceled and was then rescheduled for Aug. 29.

She backed out again last Friday, citing ” ‘American Idol‘ commitments.”

“Today” then turned around and booked the newly refurbished Kids.

The group, first assembled in 1984, has sold over 70 million albums worldwide, generated hundreds of millions of dollars in concert revenues and paved the way for acts like Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC.

They broke up in 1994 but reunited this year.

They are planning an album and tour slated for this fall.