iHeartMedia struck a new partnership with TikTok that will see TikTok creators featured in long-form audio and video content across iHeart platforms, it was announced on Monday (Nov. 10).

The deal includes the launch of the TikTok Podcast Network, a slate of up to 25 podcasts from TikTok creators. Under the agreement, iHeartMedia will open co-branded podcast studios in Los Angeles, New York and Atlanta that will be set up for both audio and video content. The podcasts will be distributed by iHeartPodcasts and made available on the iHeartRadio app and other podcast platforms. Listeners will also be able to watch highlights and clips from the podcasts on TikTok.

Another component of the deal is TikTok Radio, which will pair TikTok creators and established iHeartRadio personalities on iHeart broadcast radio stations across the U.S. and digitally on iHeartRadio. According to a press release, “TikTok Radio will feature not only TikTok’s hottest new songs, but also trend-driven storytelling and emotional context behind the music,” with segments including Behind-the-Charts, New Music Fridays and On the Verge.

iHeart and TikTok will additionally team up on iHeart events like the iHeartRadio Music Festival and iHeartRadio Jingle Ball, “empowering brands to activate with a dynamic network of content creators,” according to the release.

More details on the partnership will be announced in the coming months.

“This partnership connects TikTok’s cultural energy and creator community with the unmatched scale and reach of iHeartMedia,” said Rich Bressler, president, COO and CFO of iHeartMedia, in a statement. “We’re giving creators access to the biggest audio platforms in America — creating new ways to tell stories, entertain, and build deeper connections with fans. Together, we’re combining our vast networks to deliver relevant content on a massive scale. It’s a win for creators, fans, and brands alike.”

“At TikTok, empowering creativity and connecting communities are at the heart of everything we do,” added Dan Page, global head of media and licensing partnerships at TikTok. “This partnership with iHeartMedia opens up exciting new opportunities for creators and brands to reach wider audiences, collaborate across platforms and extend their creativity beyond the TikTok platform. Together, we’re amplifying the connection between artists, creators and our community through the shared power of cross platform storytelling.”

TikTok and iHeart kicked off their partnership earlier this year with the singing competition Next up: Live Music, which was hosted exclusively on TikTok LIVE.

The upcoming Michael Jackson biopic Michael has already made history — and it hasn’t even hit cinemas yet.

The teaser trailer for the Antoine Fuqua-directed film racked up more than 116.2 million views within its first 24 hours, making it the most-viewed music biopic trailer of all time and the largest trailer launch in Lionsgate history, according to analytics firm WaveMetrix. It now sits ahead of previous record holders including Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (96.1 million) and Bob Marley: One Love (60.1 million).

Set to premiere in theaters on April 24, 2026, Michael stars Jaafar Jackson — the late King of Pop’s nephew — in the lead role. The film promises to explore Michael Jackson’s complex legacy through both iconic performances and personal moments.

“I’m humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life,” Jaafar Jackson wrote on Instagram. “To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon.”

Producer Graham King, who spearheaded 2018’s Bohemian Rhapsody, said Jaafar was the clear choice for the role after an extensive casting process. “I met Jaafar over two years ago and was blown away by the way he organically personifies the spirit and personality of Michael,” King told Variety in 2023.

“It was something so powerful that even after conducting a worldwide search, it was clear that he is the only person to take on this role. I am beyond thrilled that he has come on board to portray his uncle and cannot wait for the world to see him on the big screen as Michael Jackson.”

The singer’s mother, Katherine Jackson, also told the publication, “Jaafar embodies my son. It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers.”

The cast also includes Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Miles Teller, and child actor Juliano Krue Valdi as young Michael.

Australia’s iconic Bluesfest has announced the first round of artists set to perform at its 2026 edition, unveiling a cross-generational lineup led by Split Enz, Earth, Wind & Fire, and The Pogues.

Returning to Byron Bay’s Bluesfest site — the Byron Events Farm — from April 2 to 5 next year, the long-running festival will host a full reunion set from Split Enz. The legendary New Zealand group, featuring brothers Neil and Tim Finn of Crowded House fame, also announced a separate national tour this week. It will mark the band’s first full-scale Australian tour in nearly two decades.

Joining them are funk and soul trailblazers Earth, Wind & Fire, who last played the event in 2012, and Irish punk-folk icons The Pogues, returning for the first time in 14 years to mark 40 years since the release of their seminal album Rum, Sodomy & the Lash — a tribute to the late Shane MacGowan.

Other international acts on the 2026 bill include Sublime, The Black Crowes, Counting Crows, blues veteran Buddy Guy (on his farewell tour), and Marcus King Band. Local talent includes Xavier Rudd, The Living End, South Summit, Mental As Anything, Skegss, The Dreggs, Pierce Brothers, and Mark Seymour.

The announcement follows a high-water mark for the festival earlier this year. In April, Bluesfest officially confirmed its return for 2026 following one of its strongest post-pandemic editions. Held across the Easter long weekend, Bluesfest 2025 drew more than 109,000 attendees over five days — the festival’s highest attendance since 2019, and the third-biggest turnout in its 35-year history.

“We’re the top-selling festival in the country, and we’ve worked hard to get here,” festival director Peter Noble said in a statement at the time. “We’ve had the highest attendance of any Australian festival since pre-COVID at 109,000 attendances – the third-biggest event we’ve done in the history of the festival… Festivals are back.”

The festival’s second lineup drop for its 2026 event is expected in the coming weeks. Several of the artists announced — including The Pogues, Sublime, and Buddy Guy — will also play exclusive headline shows around the country as part of the Bluesfest touring program.

Bluesfest 2026 takes place from Thursday, April 2, to Sunday, April 5. Tickets and artist information are available at bluesfest.com.au.