Corus Entertainment’s top-rated YTV show The Next Star returns for another season (12 x 60) starting Monday, July 18 at 7 p.m. ET/PT. Over 4000 Canadian kids auditioned during The Next Star’s cross-country audition tour this spring with hopes of making it into the Top 16; only 1 will be voted The Next Star and receive the grand prize package at the series’ finale on Sunday, September 25 at 7 p.m., broadcast live from Canada’s Wonderland.

“We are very proud of the success of The Next Star and thrilled to provide a showcase for young Canadian talent in a forum that nurtures singers and celebrates aspirations,” said Jocelyn Hamilton, Vice President, Original Programming, Kids, Comedy, Drama. “Last year, over 3 million viewers cast their votes to determine the winner – it’s truly wonderful to see kids and their families engaging with the show, but more importantly, with the show’s participants.”

Produced by leading Toronto distributor and producer Tricon Films and Television in association with YTV, the first three episodes take place during nationwide auditions that feature hopefuls aged 15 and under as they try to make it to the next round. Sixteen aspiring singers continue to participate in episodes four and five with six finalists chosen to be mentored throughout the remaining seven episodes. Ultimately, each of the six singing hopefuls will record an original song and also star in their very own music video. Those six singles will be featured on the highly anticipated Next Star compilation album; last year’s compilation album climbed to the top of the iTunes charts and put three of last year’s finalists on the Canadian Billboard emerging artist list.

Adamo Ruggiero (Degrassi: The Next Generation) returns as host while musician Suzie McNeil, songwriter Christopher Ward and music marketing exec Steve Cranwell return to mentor, guide, and judge this year’s aspiring singers. As in years past, special guests will participate throughout the season; previous guests have included Justin Bieber, Fefe Dobson, Shawn Desman, and Josh Ramsay of Marianas Trench.

Viewers will vote for the Next Star via YTV.com and text message. This year’s winner will not only take home the coveted title, but a prize package which includes the Kool-Aid Jammers Ultimate Jam Space, featuring a 15” Macbook Pro, professional recording software and gear, as well as a Songwriter Deluxe courtesy of Gibson Guitar.

Fans will have ample opportunity to engage with The Next Star and show their support of this year’s finalists via YTV.com. Starting Monday, July 18, viewers can log on to YTV.com to watch full-length episodes and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage. This year, viewers will also be able to connect with contestants, judges and other fans through live moderated chats every Monday night, presented by The Allan Candy Company Limited. As well, fans will be able to enter to win numerous Next Star themed prize packs throughout the season. Want to create an at-home recording studio? Enter to win a Kool-Aid Jammers Ultimate Jam Space prize pack! Think you’re the biggest Next Star fan? Participate in the Think You Know the Show Contest for a shot at a cash prize of $2,000 CDN. Want to join the celebration at this year’s finale? Enter The Virtual Next Star Contest for a chance to win one round trip economy flight to Toronto for the winner and a parent or guardian, three nights standard accommodation and $500 CDN.

The Next Star is pleased to partner with Kool-Aid Jammers and Hilroy through on-air billboards, product integration and online as well as Big Foot by The Allan Candy Company Limited, who will present the moderated live chat as well be sampling to live studio audiences.

About the mentors:

Award-winning singer, Suzie McNeil, released her latest single “Drama Queen” in February as a preview to her highly anticipated fourth album launching this Summer. JUNO Award-winning composer and MuchMusic’s first VJ, Christopher Ward, has written a number of chart-topping singles including Black Velvet for Alannah Myles and most recently penned songs for Cirque du Soleil’s Banana Shpeel. With 23 years’ experience in music marketing under his belt, Steve Cranwell sure knows what it takes to make a star. Just ask Kanye West, Rihanna, Shania Twain or Sarah Harmer, a few of the many sensations Steve worked with during his tenure at Universal Music Canada.

Tricon Films & Television is one of North America’s leading producers and distributors. With offices in Toronto and Los Angeles, Tricon has quickly emerged as a prominent supplier of award-winning factual and scripted programming that continues to be successful around the world. Tricon’s distribution arm features a broad catalogue of high quality, multi-platform content including primetime scripted drama and comedy, kids, lifestyle, factual and documentary series and specials. www.triconfilms.com

Seen in over 11 million homes across Canada, YTV is a leading entertainment brand for kids. YTV offers quality entertainment for kids and families with hit Nickelodeon series, nighttime drama for teens, blockbuster movies and original Canadian programming. YTV reaches its viewers online at YTV.com and in local communities with the traveling road show WOW!. Visit www.ytv.com.