TikTok, iHeartRadio Launch US Live Singing Competition

TikTok and iHeartRadio have partnered to launch Next Up: LIVE Music, a new interactive singing competition aimed at discovering and promoting emerging unsigned music talent in the U.S. The multi-stage contest, running from July 28 through September 26, combines fan engagement on TikTok LIVE—such as likes, comments, shares, and views—with judges' scores to determine which artists advance through auditions, semi-finals, and a live finale at the iHeartRadio Theater in Los Angeles. Eligible participants must be 18 or older, have at least 50,000 TikTok followers with consistent engagement, own rights to an original song, and be available for the live finale. The competition emphasizes community involvement, allowing fans to directly support and influence the progression of artists in real time, while providing participants with exposure and livestream training. TikTok’s Head of LIVE Operations, Shen Gao, and iHeartMedia’s Chief Programming Officer, Tom Poleman, highlighted the initiative as a powerful platform for artist discovery that leverages the reach of both companies to elevate new voices and transform them into future headliners. This partnership builds on TikTok's legacy as a launchpad for music careers by fostering a dynamic, community-driven journey from the app to the stage and beyond.