TikTok and iHeartRadio Unveil New Singing Competition, Next Up: Live Music
A new singing competition, titled Next Up: Live Music, is set to debut on TikTok Live, in collaboration with iHeartRadio. This innovative competition will run through September 2023, featuring aspiring artists who will compete for attention and advancement based on viewer engagement and judges’ evaluations.
Participants will navigate various competition phases, advancing through rounds determined by the number of likes, views, comments, shares, and the feedback they receive from judges. According to TikTok executive Shen Gao, “TikTok LIVE gives fans the power to engage directly, support their favorite performers, and truly shape their journey to success.” He emphasized that TikTok has long been a platform for discovering musical talent, helping undiscovered artists connect with global audiences. The partnership with iHeartRadio aims to enhance this legacy by creating a shared, real-time experience for both performers and their fans.
To qualify for the competition, contestants must be U.S. residents aged 18 or older, possess rights to at least one original song, and have a minimum of 50,000 followers. Additionally, they must be unsigned to a major record label or have clearance from their label to participate.
Audition Process and Competition Details
Auditions are open from July 28 to August 11, 2023, with the top 50 creators selected to progress to the Semi-Finals. This phase will narrow the participants down to the final 12 artists, who will perform live at the iHeartRadio Theater in Burbank, California, on September 28, 2023. The live show will serve as the grand finale of the competition, aiming to equip emerging artists with tools for long-term success on the platform.
Contestants will benefit from not only the exposure that comes with performing live but also from training and support designed to enhance audience growth opportunities. The initiative reflects a growing trend of leveraging social media platforms to discover and promote new musical talent, fostering a direct connection between artists and their potential fanbase.
As the competition unfolds, it promises to be an exciting showcase of fresh talent and creativity, embodying the evolving landscape of music discovery in the digital age.
