TikTok LIVE

TikTok has announced the 12 finalists of Next Up: LIVE Music, TikTok’s new LIVE singing competition in partnership with iHeartRadio. On September 26, they’ll take the stage at the iHeartRadio Los Angeles Theater performing live for fans and industry experts as they compete — with one winner ultimately crowned the first-ever Next Up: LIVE Music champion at the grand finale.

Since July, thousands of voices across the country have shared their talent on TikTok, turning music discovery into a truly interactive, community-driven journey. Fans cheered for contestants from the virtual front row, teaming up with our semi-finalist judges, Justina Valentine (Wild 'N Out host) and EJ (iHeartRadio Los Angeles 102.7 KIIS FM host), to determine who would advance.

"Seeing the incredible Fan Club and community support these finalists have built through TikTok LIVE is truly inspiring. Together with iHeartRadio, we're excited to elevate their creativity and talent while transforming discovery into a shared, real-time experience on stage," said Shen Gao, Head of LIVE Operations, Americas at TikTok.

“TikTok is such a powerful platform for discovery, and iHeartRadio is where those songs reach the masses and truly become hits,” said Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer for iHeartRadio. “We’re excited to give these 12 finalists that opportunity! My fellow judges and I will have our work cut out for us to determine a winner.”

Meet our Next up: LIVE Music finalists:

1. @cesiamachadoofficial (Sarasota, FL): Cesia Machado is a Cuban-born singer, songwriter, and pianist. On TikTok LIVE, she draws thousands of viewers with heartfelt performances, live requests, and interactive energy.
2. @damoyee (Dallas, TX): DAMOYEE is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and producer from Dallas. She creates original music across genres and shares her self-composed, self-produced process online.
3. @dueceflame (Los Angeles, CA): Duece Flame is a Houston-born artist known for freestyle sessions on TikTok, where he turns fan suggestions into spontaneous verses. His performances showcase creativity, energy, and inspiration.
4. @iammichaelanderson (Los Angeles, CA): Michael Anderson is a singer-songwriter who blends soulful R&B with modern pop vocals to create a unique musical atmosphere. Through his LIVE performances, he has built a vibrant community of fans while spotlighting his original music.
5. @jademillion (Nashville, TN): Jade Million is an independent artist building a career on her own terms. Her music balances vulnerability and confidence, while her brand expands into fashion and fearless self-expression.
6. @kerenmachadoofficial (Sarasota, FL): Keren Machado is a Cuban-born singer-songwriter. On TikTok LIVE, she shares her music daily with a global audience and hopes to reach even wider listeners.
7. @kiralise (Los Angeles, CA): Kira Lise is a singer-songwriter from Orange County who rose to fame on TikTok LIVE. Emerging from folk roots into indie rock, she’s cultivated a worldwide audience, has signed to her first record label, and continues to make music true to her real life experiences.
8. @kozarkane (Delray Beach, FL): Kozarkane is a freestyle rapper and singer known for sharp lyrics and electrifying performances. He blends freestyle skill with melodic hooks for a raw, authentic sound.
9. @samanthasingsit (Bellville, OH): Samantha Davis is an alternative pop artist from Ohio whose music blends storytelling with modern sounds. Her raw honesty and energetic performances connect small-town roots to a wide audience.
10. @sammyarriaga (Nashville, TN): Sammy Arriaga is a Cuban American artist blending country and Latin music. With over 2M followers, he’s known for his authentic storytelling and is now signed to Dead Rose Records with Walk Off Entertainment.
11. @thecyrilia (Amarillo, TX): The Cyrilia is a versatile Caribbean artist bringing more than 20 genres to life. Through her music and stage presence, she inspires healing and hope for those overcoming adversity.
12. @themariahfaith (Nashville, TN): Mariah Faith is a country artist blending country, blues, and rock. Raised in Conway, SC, she gained national attention as a Top 20 finalist on American Idol Season 21.

Now, after weeks of auditions and show-stopping performances, the stage is set for our finalists to shine, highlighting the talent, creativity, and connection to the TikTok community that has carried them this far. Joining semi-finalist judge Justina Valentine will be Jon Dretto (lead guitarist for Chaka Khan), Tom Poleman (Chief Programming Officer at iHeartRadio), and Beata Murphy (Program Director of iHeartRadio Los Angeles' 102.7 KIIS FM) — all helping decide who takes home the win.

Tune in LIVE to @TikTok or @TikTokLive_US at 7:00pm PT/10:00pm ET on September 26 to catch the finale and witness the next star rise!

The new TikTok LIVE singing competition gives emerging artists the chance to perform LIVE, build their fanbase, and own the spotlight at the iHeartRadio Theater in Los Angeles

NEW YORK- July 28, 2025- 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 iconic iHeartRadio Theater in Los Angeles on September 26.

This competition highlights the power of TikTok LIVE and iHeartRadio by turning music discovery into an interactive, community-driven journey. For artists, it's a launchpad to break through. For fans, it's a front-row seat to discover and support the next generation of stars — and a direct role in deciding who advances.

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, Chief Programming Officer at iHeartMedia. "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."

The Road to the iHeartRadio Theater

The competition will stream live on TikTok in three distinct phases, giving fans a front-row seat to follow, engage with, and support their favorite emerging artists:

• Auditions (July 28 to August 11): Open to all eligible creators. Top 50 selected
• Semi-Finals (August 25 to 29): The Top 50 compete for a spot in the Top 12
• Finale (September 26): The Top 12 perform live at the iHeartRadio Theater in Burbank, California

Who Can Enter

Next Up: LIVE Music is open to emerging artists across every genre — Pop, R&B, Hip Hop, Indie, and even classical crossover. Artists ready to share their voice and connect with fans in real time 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

What’s in it for Artists

This isn’t just a contest, it’s a launchpad. Up-and-coming artists will gain access to tools, exposure, and experiences that support long-term success:

• Livestream training and support to help creators develop confidence and presence on TikTok LIVE
• Audience growth opportunities through a highly visible, creator-first competition
• A chance to perform live at the iHeartRadio Theater in front of a national audience
• Community and connection with fellow music creators across the TikTok platform

TikTok: The Future of Music Discovery

TikTok continues to lead in music discovery and artist promotion. From viral sensations to global headliners, TikTok is where music careers are built, sustained, and celebrated. Artists use TikTok to connect with fans, promote releases, and turn songs into cultural moments.

With Next Up: LIVE Music, TikTok LIVE is offering artists a new path to grow their audience, build their brand, and step into the spotlight through real-time performance and community connection.

Follow the competition on TikTok LIVE and @iHeartRadio as the next wave of music talent takes center stage.

About TikTok

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy.

TikTok's global headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, and its offices include New York, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.