YTV’s Search for The Next Star is Under Way

TORONTO, April 22:
Corus-owned YTV and Tricon Films Television are hosting a cross-country,
six-city casting call for talented singers for the new YTV original series The
Next Star, scheduled to launch
July 18 at 6 p.m.

The Next Star is open to competitors aged 15 and under, and six
contestants will be chosen to go through to the competition. In each themed
episode, the six contestants will be given an assignment—from vocal
challenges to mastering a media interview or nailing down a signature
look—all to vie for a recording contract.

YTV has also created a
website to support the series. Once the show launches in July, the site will be
the go-to center for audience interaction, streaming video and the voting
process.

"This show focuses on
mentorship—it's not an elimination show," said the executive
producer, Andrea Gorfolova. "We are gathering up the nation's best recording-industry
pros to help train these young hopefuls. We want to give them every chance in
the world to succeed in the music industry and are truly rooting for their
success."

"We are very excited
to be giving Canadian kids the opportunity to showcase their talent and to have
a shot at stardom," said Jocelyn Hamilton, the VP of content for Corus
Kids Television. "We know that many kids out there have talent, but what
we want to find is someone who can handle all that comes with being a star."

—By Kristin
Brzoznowski