Photo Credit: TikTok
TikTok announces the return of Music on Stage, its global music program dedicated to discovering emerging artists and helping them grow their fanbases.
Today, TikTok has announced the return of its global music program Music on Stage, hosted by Cat Burns and Songkarn. The program is dedicated to discovering emerging artists, helping them grow dedicated fan communities, and supporting them in their transition from livestream performances to real-world music careers.
Returning in 2026 with a refreshed format, Music on Stage brings together talented music creators from over 20 regions across the globe, enabling them to perform live, connect with new audiences, and access new opportunities through TikTok Live and SoundOn, TikTok’s music distribution and artist services platform.
This year’s program builds on a hugely successful inaugural campaign in 2025, which generated over 8.2 billion impressions and inspired over 230,000 posts using the hashtag #MusicOnStage. The program also resulted in original music being professionally produced and released for its global winners, demonstrating how TikTok Live can help transform emerging creators into artists with full music careers.
Auditions begin on August 15, launching with a special All-Day Global Relay Concert that will see artists from around the world perform live in celebration of music without borders. Spanning three days, the relay will showcase original songwriting, live musicianship, and standout performances from some of TikTok Live’s most exciting creators.
The 2026 Global Finals in September will be hosted by British singer-songwriter Cat Burns for the EMEA and Americas competition, while Thai singer-songwriter Songkarn will host the APAC Finals. A second guest judge will be announced in the coming weeks.
The top creators will gain access to professional development opportunities in partnership with SoundOn, like recording and releasing original music with full production, distribution, and promotional support. Winning artists will also have the chance to perform on major live stages, such as TikTok Live Fest and selected music festivals worldwide. These include opportunities to perform at the Breakaway Carolina Festival and the All Things Go NYC Festival in September.
Last year’s winners include Angelyque Solorio, who released her debut EP through SoundOn, generating more than 350,000 creator videos on TikTok, increasing her Spotify monthly listeners tenfold, and accumulating more than 450,000 streams.
“Music on Stage reflects everything that makes TikTok Live unique,” said Shen Gao, Head of Live Operations, Americas, at TikTok. “Every day we see talented artists build genuine communities, develop loyal fanbases, and share their music with audiences around the world in real time. This program takes that one step further by giving emerging artists the opportunity not only to be discovered, but to develop sustainable careers beyond the platform. We’re proud to help the next generation of music talent move from livestreams to record releases and festival stages.”
“Music on Stage is TikTok Live’s biggest global music competition and a chance for you to share your music with the world,” added Cat Burns. “We all know that TikTok has played a massive part in my journey, and I am so grateful to the platform, so this year I will be joining Music on Stage as a guest judge, and I am so excited! Finals will be on the 18th of September, and the winner gets all the support in recording and releasing their own original song. So register now, go live, and I can’t wait to see what you create.”
Creators can register for Music on Stage until August 14, with auditions opening on August 15. Fans can follow along throughout the competition by searching #MusicOnStage in the TikTok app and tuning into the Global Relay Concert and subsequent TikTok Live broadcasts.