TikTok and iHeartRadio Launch Interactive Singing Comp

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, July 28, 2025 | 2:27pm CT

Next Up LIVE Music

TikTok and iHeartRadio are teaming up to launch Next Up: LIVE Music, a new TikTok LIVE-powered singing competition aimed at discovering and promoting emerging music talent. The competition kicks off July 28 and runs through September, culminating in a live finale at the iHeartRadio Theater in Los Angeles on September 26.

The multi-stage event invites the TikTok community to follow and interact with rising artists in real time, giving fans a front-row seat to the competition - and a direct role in shaping its outcome.

"This is more than a contest - it's an interactive, community-driven journey that puts the power of music discovery into the hands of fans," said Shen Gao, Head of LIVE Operations, Americas at TikTok. "Together with iHeartRadio, Next Up: LIVE Music builds on TikTok's legacy of elevating new artists by turning discovery into a shared, real-time experience."

The competition is structured in three phases:

• Auditions (July 28-August 11): Open to all eligible creators, with the top 50 selected to advance.

• Semi-Finals (August 25-29): The top 50 compete for a place in the Top 12.

• Finale (September 26): The top 12 artists perform live at the iHeartRadio Theater in Burbank, CA.

Progression through each round is determined by a combination of TikTok engagement - including likes, views, comments, and shares - and judges' scores.

"TikTok and iHeartRadio are powerful engines for artist discovery," said Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer at iHeartMedia. "We're creating a pipeline that turns emerging voices into tomorrow's headliners."

The competition is open to U.S. residents 18 and older who meet specific criteria, including ownership of at least one original song, 50,000 TikTok followers with active engagement, and availability to perform live. Artists from all genres are encouraged to apply, including pop, hip-hop, R&B, indie, and even classical crossover.

Selected participants will receive livestream training, expanded audience exposure, and the opportunity to perform at one of the industry's most iconic venues.

Fans can follow the competition on TikTok LIVE and @iHeartRadio as a new wave of musical talent takes the stage.