TikTok Live and All Things Go Music Festival partnered this week. The collaboration gives emerging artists a shot at performing NYC’s premier festival.
What We Know Creators can submit entries immediately through TikTok’s Music on Stage competition. The live finals happen August 28 with Lizzy Plapinger serving as guest judge. Winners perform at All Things Go from September 25 through 27. The grand prize includes sharing stages with Carly Rae Jepsen and Brandi Carlile.
What They Said “Creating opportunities for new voices remains fundamental to All Things Go,” said Lizzy Plapinger. She emphasized that discovering emerging artists has shaped her entire career arc. “I’m excited to help spotlight an artist for this rare chance,” she continued. Meanwhile, TikTok’s Head of Live Operations stressed that creators build real communities. “Music on Stage gives creators the chance to share stages alongside the biggest names,” he noted. The platform views this as elevating artistic journeys significantly.
What Remains Unclear TikTok plans to expand this partnership to additional festivals soon. Breakaway Carolina Festival already ended submissions on August 9. However, timelines for other partnerships haven’t surfaced yet. Judging criteria beyond Plapinger’s involvement also remain unconfirmed.
What It Means This partnership signals a major industry shift toward creator empowerment. Festivals increasingly recognize TikTok’s role in artist discovery and audience building. Moreover, the move democratizes access to premier festival stages. Emerging artists now possess viable pathways to mainstream visibility and career growth.
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David Hill serves as a Music Radio Editor, Columnist and Features writer for Barrett Media. A radio lifer with more than 30 years behind the mic, in the control room, and in the program director’s chair, David’s career spans influential stops at brands such as WIYY 98 Rock, WBAL-AM, and 99X. He has worked across multiple formats and ownership groups, including iHeartMedia and Cumulus Media, developing talent, breaking music, and navigating every major industry shift from diary to PPM and terrestrial dominance to streaming disruption. When he’s not writing or analyzing the industry, Dave runs The Tune Farm, a marketing firm built to help artists and brands grow audience the same way great radio always has—by creating connection, not just impressions. He can be reached at David@BarrettMedia.com.