TikTok + iHeartRadio Scouting Viral Talent
• TikTok, in partnership with iHeartRadio, is launching Next Up: Live Music, a new singing competition powered by TikTok LIVE. Kicking off July 28 and running 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 — culminating in an epic live finale at the iHeartRadio Theater in Burbank on Sept. 26.
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.
“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.”
“TikTok and iHeartRadio are powerful engines for artist discovery and showcasing new talent,” said Tom Poleman, iHeartMedia Chief Programming Officer. “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.”
Next Up: LIVE Music is open to emerging artists across every genre — Pop, R&B, Hip Hop, Indie, and even Classical crossover. Artists 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.
The competition will stream live on TikTok in three phases: 1) Auditions (July 28-Aug. 11): Open to all eligible creators. Top 50 selected; 2) Semi-Finals (August 25-29): The Top 50 compete for a spot in the Top 12; 3) Finale (Sept. 26): The Top 12 perform live at the iHeartRadio Theater in Burbank.
