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  • Global Stage, Local Talent – Artists from 23 regions compete for a career-changing opportunity on TikTok LIVE.
  • Hosted by TikTok sensation Sam Ryder – From TikTok creator to international star, championing the next wave of music talent.
  • Powered by SoundOn – Winners receive song production and promotion from TikTok's music distribution platform

TikTok LIVE
 is proud to announce Music On Stage 2025, a new global music competition designed to spotlight and support emerging artists and music creators on TikTok LIVE.
 
TikTok LIVE has become a powerful stage for emerging artists to connect with global audiences, share their artistry in real time, and turn moments into milestones. TikTok LIVE allows creators to build direct, two-way relationships with fans, turning viewers into loyal supporters and active participants in an artist's journey. It's where musicians can share new music, build genuine connections with fans, and reach audiences far beyond their home cities.
 
This year's Global Finale will be hosted by none other than Sam Ryder (@samhairwolfryder), the chart-topping singer-songwriter who first made his mark sharing music on TikTok during lockdown. Since then, Sam has built a global fanbase, represented the UK at Eurovision, and become a vocal champion for emerging talent. His own journey from TikTok creator to international star makes him the perfect host for a competition dedicated to discovering the next wave of artists.
 
Sam Ryder said"TikTok changed my life as an artist and I'm stoked to see how it can shape the lives of others. Music On Stage is all about giving that same spark of opportunity to the next wave of talent, and I can't wait to watch their journeys unfold!"
 
Music On Stage is TikTok LIVE's first official global competition for music creators, giving artists from 23 regions the chance to perform live, connect with new fans, and take their careers to the next level. The competition is designed to help creators who meet TikTok LIVE's music quality standards to grow their audiences, earn rewards through LIVE, and access career-changing opportunities, in collaboration with TikTok's music distribution platform, SoundOn.
 
Following weeks of exciting performances, the Regional Finals will take place between August 29th to 31st, bringing together the best local talent in LIVE, interactive shows. Contestants will go head-to-head in "Take the Stage" battles, with audience votes, small gifts, and judges' bonus points helping decide who moves on. The winners of these Regional Finals will advance to the Global Finals LIVE hosted from Seoul (September 19th for APAC), and London (September 27th for EMEA & AMS), where Sam Ryder will host and help shine a spotlight on the world's next music stars.
 
Global winners will receive song production, publishing, and promotional support from SoundOn, plus the opportunity to perform at TikTok LIVE Fest in 2026. Last year's TikTok LIVE Fest was headlined by pop powerhouse Zara Larsson (@zaralarsson) and hosted by global superstar Jason Derulo (@jasonderulo), bringing together top creators, emerging artists, and music fans from every corner of the world. Held in London and streamed to millions via TikTok LIVE, the event showcased the platform's biggest breakout talents alongside established chart-toppers.
 
Shen Gao, Head of LIVE Operations at TikTok LIVE, said: "TikTok LIVE is one of the most exciting spaces for artists right now as a launchpad for musical talent. It's where fans can connect with music in real time, share moments, and support their favourite performers directly. Music On Stage takes that energy global, and with Sam Ryder and Jeon Somi as as our hosts, we're so excited to be bringing inspiration and opportunity to creators everywhere."
 
Nichal Sethi, Head of SoundOn EMEA at TikTok, said: "Music On Stage is about more than a competition - it's about giving talented creators the platform, tools, and audience to build long-lasting careers. At SoundOn, we're passionate about supporting emerging artists from their very first release through to global recognition, and we can't wait to see the incredible talent that takes the stage this year."
 
The Regional Finals will stream LIVE in-app in the lead-up to the Global Finals later this year, where viewers around the world can cheer on their favourites and help crown the first-ever Music On Stage champions.
 
TikTok LIVE creators like DJ AG (@djagonline) - the London street DJ whose spontaneous outdoor sets have attracted everyone from passersby to global superstars like Ed Sheeran and Jessie J - are using LIVE to give working-class and grassroots talent a global platform. From Philippine Idol Season 2 runner-up Ryssi (@imryssi), to Fiaa Hamilton (@fiaahamilton), winner of TikTok Gimme The Mic's Most Inspiring Award, and street performers like Jourdan Blue (@jourdanblue) currently starring in America's Got Talent, artists are transforming into LIVE fan favourites, proving that on TikTok LIVE, talent can rise from anywhere and reach everywhere.
 
We can't wait to bring you our most exciting global music event yet and celebrate the incredible talent on TikTok LIVE. Whether you're an artist, music fan, or part of our creator community, tune in to Music On Stage to discover emerging performers from around the world, connect with them in real time, and show your support as they chase their dreams.
 
Discover TikTok LIVE and join our community by simply downloading the app for free via the Apple App StoreGoogle Play or Amazon.
 
*Please refer to our Virtual Items Policy for more information about Diamond rewards.

21 Jan 2026 | Press release

The FAC and University of Hertfordshire expand their Propeller Sessions project to London’s Jazz Cafe

  Recent Nettwerk signing Olive Jones, a former awardee from the FAC’s Step Up Fund,  is among the latest artists to benefit from free, high-quality video performance footage after recording a Propeller Session To date, more than 20 FAC PRO Members have...more

21 Jan 2026 | Press release

Generator launches landmark Japan partnership to put northern music on the global stage

  BACKED BY REGIONAL MAYORS, THE INITIATIVE MARKS A MAJOR STEP FOR THE NORTH’S INTERNATIONAL MUSIC AMBITIONS  FEBRUARY 2026 JAPAN EXCHANGE ANNOUNCED, CONNECTING NORTHERN TALENT WITH JAPAN’S MUSIC INDUSTRY AND THRIVING CREATIVE INFRASTRUCTURE  PARTNERSHIPS ANNOUNCED WITH CUEW, MUSIC CITY COUNCIL OF FUKUOKA AND KEF, WITH COLLABORATION FROM OTHER MAJOR INDUSTRY PARTNERS    North-headquartered music development agency Generator has today...more

21 Jan 2026 | Press release

Believe UK and Tileyard Music launch new frontline label Tenace Records

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21 Jan 2026 | Press release

Hannah Karp appointed EVP & Chief Communications Officer for Warner Music Group

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21 Jan 2026 | Press release

Universal Music Greater China launches Def Jam Recordings China in Chengdu, the capital of Chinese hiphop

Together With Migu, A Leading Digital Content Platform Under China Mobile, UMG Opens Global Pathways for Chinese Hip-Hop Rooted in Local Culture Universal Music Greater China (UMGC), a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced...more

20 Jan 2026 | Press release

Jacob Alon revealed as this year's BRITs Critics' Choice winner

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20 Jan 2026 | Press release

WMA announces Global Promotions and new hires as it celebrates 10 years in the US

As it celebrates its 10th anniversary in the US, global digital marketing and creative agency WMA today announced several new executive hires and key promotions internationally. Marking a decade at WMA herself, Crystina Cinti has been elevated to Global Senior...more

20 Jan 2026 | Press release

Pipeline emerges from stealth and unveils groundbreaking financing platform for independent music sector

Backed by Jamen Capital, Pipeline Raises Over $200 Million to Help Independents Unlock their IP Value, Fund Growth and Compete at Scale Pipeline, a new financing platform focused on music and the wider creative industries, has unveiled its company and offerings...more

20 Jan 2026 | Press release

Sonopress launches ecorecord.org

New platform consolidates information on sustainable record production around EcoRecord Sonopress, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of physical media, has launched ecorecord.org, a new platform dedicated to sustainable record production. The website expands the company’s existing sustainability approach, EcoRecord, and...more

20 Jan 2026 | Press release

Mouth Culture sign publishing deal with Notting Hill Music

Fast-rising Leicester alt-rock outfit Mouth Culture are pleased to announce they’ve signed their publishing with Notting Hill Music. The band have been making waves across the UK and beyond with their undeniable melody and musicianship, which hits hard in a...more

20 Jan 2026 | Press release

The Other Songs have recruited executive Harri Davies to the team as Head of A&R

Global independent music and entertainment company The Other Songs have welcomed globally recognised executive Harri Davies to the team as Head of A&R. Davies has an extensive record of identifying and breaking world-class talent. Most recently serving as Head of A&R...more

20 Jan 2026 | Press release

RTÉ Choice Music Prize - Irish Album of the Year 2025 / Shortlist Announcement

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20 Jan 2026 | Press release

WIN Elects New Board, Appoints New Chair and Vice Chairs in 20th Anniversary Year

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20 Jan 2026 | Press release

Zoe Ball hosts a new award-winning podcast series

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20 Jan 2026 | Press release

Netease Cloud Music and Universal Music Group announce strategic, multi-year licensing agreement for China

Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, and NetEase Cloud Music, a leading music streaming service provider in China, today announced a strategic multi-year license agreement for UMG's world-leading music catalog of artists and recordings across NetEase Cloud Music's streaming...more

19 Jan 2026 | Press release

Jerome Porritt named as Head of A&R at RCA Records UK

Sony Music UK today announces the appointment of Jerome Porritt as Head of A&R at RCA Records UK.   Reporting into co-presidents Glyn Aikins and Stacey Tang, Porritt brings over a decade of experience in A&R, and most recently held the position...more

19 Jan 2026 | Press release

Nick Bright to join KISS

  KISS is turning up the heat with the announcement that Nick Bright is joining the station, bringing one of the UK’s most exciting broadcast voices to the KISS line-up. Former BBC Radio 1Xtra presenter Nick, will be on air from Monday 2nd February as he takes...more

16 Jan 2026 | Press release

Universal Music Group launches UK pilot of global education initiative ‘Sound Generation’

Sound Generation kicks off with UK pilot featuring a set of tailored music education resources for primary school The free, online programme will be piloted across all Camden primary schools before rolling out nationwide later this year This builds on UMG UK’s...more

16 Jan 2026 | Press release

2026 MOBO Awards: Nominations announced for Manchester ceremony

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16 Jan 2026 | Press release

AYO Music Group Grows Roster and Catalog, Expands Gapfinder Tool, and Releases Reissue of Rare Joe Washington Vinyl

  Since its official launch in 2024, AYO Music Group, an active copyright administrator offering global administration of publishing, neighboring rights, and recordings, continued to grow throughout 2025 with new additions to their roster, further development of their Gapfinder tool, and upcoming...more

16 Jan 2026 | Press release

BMG launches SYNC+ 

A Unified Global Music-for-Media Powerhouse      BMG announced today the launch of SYNC+, a new global service uniting Commercial Sync, Production Music, and Media Services under one integrated brand.  SYNC+ combines BMG’s world-class repertoire, creative expertise, and strategic music services to deliver a seamless,...more

16 Jan 2026 | Press release

Youth Music reveals the next generation of diverse music talent in ‘Ones to Watch 2026’

  Youth Music unveils 20 emerging artists tipped to shape the future of the UK music industry  Alumni from Youth Music’s Ones to Watch lists, including ALT BLK ERA, JayaHadADream and Mali Hâf, have gone on to win MOBO awards and perform at Glastonbury  Youth Music’s Ones to Watch list is powered by Wingstop for...more

16 Jan 2026 | Press release

Open letter from WIN to European Commissioner Dombrovskis: “Europe as a beacon of fair competition”

With just a few weeks until the European Commission’s final decision on the Universal/Downtown deal, WIN wrote to Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis to warn that the proposed remedies will not mitigate the grave risk that the merger poses to fair competition...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

Modern Women have signed to One Little Independent Records

Modern Woman, the London art-rock outfit fronted by primary songwriter Sophie Harris, are set to release their anticipated debut album ‘Johnny’s Dreamworld’ on May 1st 2026 via their new label One Little Independent Records. ‘Johnny’s Dreamworld’ represents the culmination of...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

TMRW Music Group Joins LabelWorx for Global Distribution and Label Services

LabelWorx, the leading global distribution and label services provider for independent electronic music, today announced a new partnership with TMRW Music Group, one of Australia’s most respected and influential electronic music companies. Under the new agreement, LabelWorx will provide full...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

Atlantic Screen Group Secures $30m from Corrum Capital to Accelerate Film, TV Score and Music Catalogue Acquisitions

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15 Jan 2026 | Press release

Amazon Music Unveils Global 2026 Artists to Watch Campaign

The initiative spotlights breakout artists poised to shape music in 2026, including Destin Conrad, Seyi Vibez, EJAE, Max Styler, PRESIDENT, NewDad, MEOVV, and Adam Klobi across 28 key playlists worldwide The program also includes seven new Amazon Music Originals from VENGAYO,...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

First details revealed for BRITs Fringe with Brighter Sound

BRING ON THE BRITs WITH MASTERCARD: THE 2026 NOMINATIONSWATCH ON WEDNESDAY 21ST JANUARY FROM 5PM ON THE BRITs’ INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK WHATSAPP ANNOUNCED AS 2026 OFFICIAL VOTING PARTNER THE BRIT AWARDS 2026 WITH MASTERCARDSATURDAY 28TH FEBRUARY 2026 AT CO-OP LIVE, MANCHESTER ON ITV   In a...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

Mercury Prize shines global spotlight on Newcastle and the North East

New figures have shown the region's economy received a boost of more than £1.4 million by hosting the 2025 Mercury Prize.  A new report commissioned and published by Newcastle City Council has highlighted the huge impact the awards ceremony and fringe activity had...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

Winners of the 2025 European Festival Awards

  Congratulations to all the winners of the 2025 European Festival Awards. For this year, festivals from over 30 countries participated and 300,000 single votes have been cast by the public. This resulted in 104 shortlisted nominees in 13 distinct categories,...more

20 Jan 2026

  • Do Spotify’s AI Playlists change how algorithmic discovery actually works? (see Features)

19 Jan 2026

  • A&R 2026: We lost "R" (see Opinion)

16 Jan 2026

  • Do most artists peak with their first album? (see Analysis)

15 Jan 2026

  • Court battle over unpaid royalties could have implications for the industry in the streaming era (see News)

  • Luminate released its 2025 year-end music report (see Reports)

14 Jan 2026

  • Impala sets out crucial questions on UMG/Downtown, AI, sovereignty and more for EU & music sector (see Comment)

13 Jan 2026

  • Spotify’s new co-CEOs highlight what’s ahead for the company (see Digital)

12 Jan 2026

  • Music publishers sued by X in growing licensing battle (see News)

  • Call on EU to clamp down on unauthorised ticket reselling (see News)

09 Jan 2026

  • Lucian Grainge outlines UMG's 2026 plans in staff memo (see News)

  • Skye Newman wins Radio 1's Sound of 2026 (see News)

08 Jan 2026

  • Spotify now lets you share what you’re streaming in real time with friends (see Digital)

07 Jan 2026

  • Streamed and retail entertainment sales grew four times faster than UK economy in 2025 (see News)

  • UMG announces collaboration with NVIDIA to pioneer responsible AI for music discovery, creation, and engagement (see News)