Thousands of aspiring musicians from across the United States participated in the Next Up: LIVE Music competition, a collaboration between TikTok and iHeartRadio that aims to showcase new talent through interactive performances on TikTok LIVE. The contest allowed fans to support their favorite artists and help select finalists alongside semi-finalist judges Justina Valentine, host of Wild ‘N Out, and EJ, host at iHeartRadio Los Angeles’ 102.7 KIIS FM.
Shen Gao, Head of LIVE Operations, Americas at TikTok, commented on the community engagement around the event. “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,” Gao said.
Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer for iHeartRadio, emphasized the partnership’s potential for music discovery. “TikTok is such a powerful platform for discovery, and iHeartRadio is where those songs reach the masses and truly become hits,” Poleman said. “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.”
The 12 finalists represent diverse backgrounds and musical styles:
– Cesia Machado (@cesiamachadoofficial) from Sarasota, FL is a Cuban-born singer-songwriter known for her live piano performances.
– DAMOYEE (@damoyee) hails from Dallas, TX as a multi-instrumentalist producing original music across genres.
– Duece Flame (@dueceflame), based in Los Angeles but originally from Houston, engages fans with freestyle rap sessions inspired by viewer suggestions.
– Michael Anderson (@iammichaelanderson) also from Los Angeles creates R&B-infused pop music.
– Jade Million (@jademillion) out of Nashville balances vulnerability with confidence in her independent artistry.
– Keren Machado (@kerenmachadoofficial), another Cuban-born artist in Sarasota, shares daily performances with an international audience.
– Kira Lise (@kiralise) from Los Angeles rose to prominence on TikTok LIVE after starting with folk music in Orange County.
– Kozarkane (@kozarkane) from Delray Beach, FL combines freestyle rap with melodic hooks.
– Samantha Davis (@samanthasingsit) represents Bellville, OH as an alternative pop artist focused on storytelling.
– Sammy Arriaga (@sammyarriaga), based in Nashville and signed to Dead Rose Records/Walk Off Entertainment, merges country and Latin influences.
– The Cyrilia (@thecyrilia) from Amarillo brings Caribbean versatility spanning more than 20 genres.
– Mariah Faith (@themariahfaith), now living in Nashville but raised in Conway, SC gained national recognition as a Top 20 finalist on American Idol Season 21.
After several rounds of auditions streamed live online over recent weeks, the competition has reached its final stage. Judges for the finale include Jon Dretto (lead guitarist for Chaka Khan), Tom Poleman (iHeartRadio Chief Programming Officer), Beata Murphy (Program Director at iHeartRadio Los Angeles’ 102.7 KIIS FM), along with returning judge Justina Valentine.
The event finale will be broadcast live via @TikTok or @TikTokLive_US at 7:00pm PT/10:00pm ET on September 26.
