TikTok, in partnership with iHeartRadio, has launched Next up: Live Music “a new singing competition powered by TikTok LIVE”. Launched this week and running through September, the programme invites the TikTok community “to discover and elevate emerging talent through a dynamic, multi-stage journey”.
According to TikTok, fans can “follow rising artists in real time, engage directly with their performances, and help shape their path to the spotlight — culminating in an epic live finale at the iconic iHeartRadio Theater in Los Angeles on September 26”.
The digital first platform said that the competition “highlights the power of TikTok LIVE and iHeartRadio by turning music discovery into an interactive, community-driven journey. For artists, it’s a launchpad. For fans, it’s a front-row seat to discover and support the next generation of stars — and a direct role in deciding who advances”.
Contestants will move through each phase of the competition based on a combination of engagement from the TikTok community and judges’ scores. The artists who receive the highest number of likes, views, comments, shares, and overall support during their live performances, along with strong feedback from the judges, will advance to the next round. Every view, interaction, and score counts, putting the power to elevate new talent into the hands of both fans and experts.
Shen Gao, head of live operations, Americas at TikTok, said: “TikTok has long been a launchpad for musical talent, helping undiscovered artists break through and reach global audiences. Together with iHeart, Next Up: LIVE Music is building on that legacy by turning discovery into a shared, real-time experience.”
“TikTok and iHeartRadio are powerful engines for artist discovery and showcasing new talent,” added Tom Poleman, chief programming officer at iHeartMedia. “Together, we’re creating a pipeline that turns emerging voices into tomorrow’s headliners and with iHeartRadio we have the reach and influence to bring those artists to the masses.”
The competition will stream live on TikTok in three distinct phases, giving fans a front-row seat to follow, engage with, and support their favourite emerging artists. The Top 12 will perform live at the iHeartRadio Theater on September 26.
LIVE Music is open to emerging unsigned artists across every genre — Pop, R&B, Hip Hop, Indie, and even classical crossover. But there are criteria for entry. Hopefuls must be US resident, aged 18 or over, own rights to at least one original song and have 50,000+ followers on TikTok with consistent engagement.
