TikTok, in a groundbreaking partnership with iHeartRadio, has unveiled “Next Up: Live Music,” a novel singing competition poised to redefine music talent discovery for the digital age. This innovative contest offers aspiring performers an unprecedented platform to showcase their abilities and potentially launch their careers directly from the ubiquitous TikTok app.

Auditions for this highly anticipated singing contest are already underway, inviting artists to submit their entries by August 11th. Participants are required to upload an original song accompanied by the specific hashtag #nextuplivemusic, a clear directive designed to streamline the submission process and organize the burgeoning volume of auditions.

Following the initial submission phase, the top 50 creators will advance to the semi-finals, where they will perform via live stream, underscoring the real-time engagement central to this online competition. Scoring in this critical round will be a multifaceted process, factoring in audience interaction through likes, views, comments, and shares, alongside professional feedback from an expert panel of judges.

The culmination of “Next Up: Live Music” will see the final 12 performers grace the physical stage at the renowned iHeartRadio Theater in Burbank, California, on September 28th. This transition from virtual auditions to a live grand finale provides a comprehensive experience, allowing fans to actively participate in shaping the journey of rising stars.

While the competition is open to U.S. residents aged 18 and over, stringent eligibility criteria ensure a high caliber of participants. Hopefuls must possess a minimum of 50,000 genuine TikTok followers, own the rights to at least one original song, and, crucially, must not be signed to a major record label, emphasizing the contest’s focus on independent artist development.

This initiative builds upon TikTok’s established legacy as a potent launchpad for musical careers, a phenomenon witnessed with the meteoric rises of artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Pink Pantheress. The platform has consistently proven its capacity to connect undiscovered music talent with global audiences, democratizing access to the music industry.

Shen Gao, a TikTok executive, articulated the vision behind this new venture, emphasizing that “Next Up: LIVE Music” is not merely a contest but a deliberate evolution of musical discovery into a shared, real-time experience. This approach solidifies TikTok’s role as a pivotal force in identifying and nurturing the next generation of global music sensations.