TikTok launch singing competition for emerging artists
Image credit: TikTok
TikTok and iHeartRadio are teaming up to launch ‘Next Up: Live Music’, a competition offering new singers a chance at stardom.
Independent and emerging artists, listen up! TikTok are providing a brand new launchpad for emerging talent, teaming up with radio giant iHeartRadio for a brand new singing competition powered by TikTok LIVE.
The competition, called ‘Next Up: Live Music‘, offers a massive opportunity for artists to perform for a global audience, grow their fanbase in real-time, and win the chance to perform at the legendary iHeartRadio Theater in Los Angeles.
This isn’t your typical talent show. The program turns music discovery into a fully interactive journey where the TikTok community has a real slay in who moves on. For artists, it’s a direct line to a massive audience. For fans, it’s a front-row seat to finding – and supporting – the next big thing.
How does TikTok’s ‘Next Up: Live Music’ competition work?
The competition puts the power in the hands of the community. Artists will advance through each round based on a combination of fan engagement during their TikTok LIVE performances and scores from a panel of judges.
This means every like, comment, share, and gift an artist receives during their livestream coutns towards their progress. It’s a true test of not just talent, but the ability to connect with an audience.
Head of LIVE Operations at TikTok Shen Gao said: “TikTok has long been a launchpad for musical talent… Together with iHeart, Next Up: LIVE Music is building on that legacy by turning discovery into a shared, real-time experience.”
Chief Programming Officer at iHeartMedia Tom Poleman added: “TikTok and iHeartRadio are powerful engines for artist discovery… Together, we’re creating a pipeline that turns emerging voices into tomorrow’s headliners.”
Next Up: Live Music key dates
The competition is already underway and will unfold in three advancing phases:
- Auditions (July 28 – August 11): Artists perform on TikTok LIVE. The Top 50 will be selected to move on.
- Semi-Finals (August 25 – 29): The Top 50 battle it out live, with the community and judges selecting the Top 12 finalists.
- Finale (September 26): The Top 12 will perform live from the iHeartRadio Theater in Burbank, California, for the ultimate prize.
Who can enter TikTok’s singing competion?
The competition is open to artists across all genres, from Pop and Hip Hop to Indie and R&B. If you’re ready to own the spotlight, here’s what you need to qualify:
- Be a U.S. resident, aged 18 or older.
- Own the rights to at least one original song.
- Have 50,000+ followers on TikTok with consistent engagement.
- Be comfortable performing and engaging with fans on TikTok LIVE.
- Be available to attend the in-person finale in California if selected.
- Be unsigned by a major label or have clearance from your label to compete.
What’s in it for artists?
The competition represents a huge opportunity for smaller musicians to gain exposure. TikTok has long represented a platform of huge potential for exposure to artists. Many artists have found success and had their careers accelerated on TikTok.
This competition represents a new way for up-and-coming artists to gain experience and a huge exposure. The benefits include:
- Livestream Training: Get professional coaching and support to sharpen your presence and performance skills on TikTok LIVE.
- Massive Audience Growth: Perform in front of a huge, built-in audience on a platform designed for music discovery.
- The Ultimate Stage: Earn the chance to perform at the iconic iHeartRadio Theater, a venue that has hosted some of the biggest names in music.
- Community Connection: Network and connect with a community of fellow artists and creators on the platform.
TikTok continues to dominate the world of music discovery, and with Next Up: Live Music, it’s opening another powerful door for unsigned and independent artists. This competition is a unique chance to leverage the power of live performance and community engagement to build a real, sustainable career.
So, if you meet the criteria, it’s time to go LIVE and show the world what you’ve got. For everyone else, you can follow the competition by tuning into TikTok LIVE and following @iHeartRadio to help discover music’s next superstar.