TikTok and iHeartRadio have partnered to launch Next Up: LIVE Music, a new singing competition powered by TikTok LIVE. Starting July 28 and running through September, the program invites the TikTok community to discover and support rising talent through live performances. Culminating in a finale at the iHeartRadio Theater in Los Angeles on September 26.
This competition puts fans in the driver’s seat, letting them engage with artists during live streams and help decide who moves forward. Progression is based on a combination of fan engagement, including likes, comments, shares, and views, as well as judges’ scores.
“Tiktok LIVE gives fans the power to engage directly, support their favorite performers, and truly shape their journey to success,” said Shen Gao, Head of LIVE Operations, Americas at TikTok. “TikTok has long been a launchpad for musical talent, helping undiscovered artists break through and reach global audiences. Together with iHeartRadio, Next Up: LIVE Music is building on that legacy by turning discovery into a shared, real-time experience.”
Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer at iHeartMedia, added, “TikTok and iHeartRadio are powerful engines for artist discovery and showcasing new talent. Together, we’re creating a pipeline that turns emerging voices into tomorrow’s headliners, and with iHeartRadio’s reach, we can bring those artists to the masses.”
The contest unfolds in three stages, all streamed live on TikTok:
- Auditions (July 28–August 11): Open to all eligible creators; Top 50 are selected.
- Semi-Finals (August 25–29): The Top 50 compete for spots in the final 12.
- Finale (September 26): The Top 12 perform live at the iHeartRadio Theater in Burbank, California.
Fans can watch and interact live, influencing the results by supporting their favorite performers.
Open to U.S.-based artists age 18 and up who:
- Own at least one original song
- Have 50,000+ TikTok followers with active engagement
- Are comfortable performing live on TikTok
- Can attend the in-person finale (if selected)
- Are unsigned or have label clearance to compete
Artists across genres, including Pop, Hip Hop, Indie, R&B, and classical crossover, can compete.
Follow the competition live on TikTok and @iHeartRadio to watch the next wave of music talent rise.
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