We’re excited to announce 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 have 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!