TikTok and iHeartRadio Present ‘Next Up: Live Music’ Singing Competition

TikTok and iHeartRadio are launching a singing competition, from now through September, to discover emerging talent on the short-form video app.

In partnership with iHeartRadio, TikTok is launching Next Up: Live Music, a new singing competition kicking off today (July 28) through September. The program invites the TikTok community to discover and elevate emerging talent through a dynamic, multi-stage journey. Fans can follow rising artists in real time, engage directly with their performances, and help shape their path to the spotlight—with an epic live finale at the iHeartRadio Theater in Los Angeles on September 26.

Highlighting the power of TikTok LIVE and iHeartRadio, the competition turns music discovery into an interactive, community-driven journey. For artists, it’s a launchpad to break through, while fans experience a front-row seat in discovering and supporting the next generation of stars, with 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.

“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 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,” said 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 phases, giving fans a front-row seat to follow, engage with, and support their favorite emerging artists.

• Auditions (July 28 to August 11): Open to all eligible creators, with the Top 50 Selected
• Semi-Finals (August 25 to 29): The Top 50 compete for a spot in the Top 12
• Finale (September 26): The Top 12 perform live at the iHeartRadio Theater in Burbank, California

Next Up: Live Music is open to emerging artists across every genre. Artists ready to share their voice and connect with fans in real time must meet the following criteria:

• U.S. resident, age 18 or older
• Own rights to at least one original song
• 50,000+ followers on TikTok with consistent engagement
• LIVE-ready and comfortable performing in real time
• Ability to attend the in-person finale (if selected)
• Unsigned by a major label or have label clearance to compete

Up-and-coming artists will gain access to tools, exposure, and experiences that support long-term success:

• Livestream training and support to help creators develop confidence and presence on TikTok LIVE
• Audience growth opportunities through a highly visible, creator-first competition
• A chance to perform live at the iHeartRadio Theater in front of a national audience
• Community and connection with fellow music creators across the TikTok platform

From viral sensations to global headliners, TikTok continues to be a leader in music discovery and artist promotion. With Next Up: Live Music, TikTok LIVE is offering artists a new path to grow their audience, build their brand, and step into the spotlight through real-time performance and community connection.

Notably, the competition ends just after the latest deadline by which TikTok’s China-based parent company, ByteDance, must either divest its U.S. assets or face a federal ban. With such uncertainty on the horizon, it’s interesting that TikTok is pushing a major competition to its American audience.