The moment has arrived to bestow the coveted title of Season 3’s The Next Star upon one of the six finalists. Corus Entertainment’s YTV, Tricon Films & Television and Universal Music Canada invite fans to catch the highly anticipated 90-minute season finale live from Canada’s Wonderland on Sunday, September 26 at 7 p.m.
An evening jam-packed with entertainment, the finale will feature performances by special guests Faber Drive and These Kids Wear Crowns. Topping it all off, the top six will perform their original singles written and recorded during the series with the help of Canada’s top music producers. The Next Star Season 3 compilation album, which features these top six original songs, will be available in music stores and on iTunes beginning Tuesday, September 21.
Season 3’s talented group of young stars includes 15 year-old Brandon from Stoney Creek, Ontario, a rock n’ roller who has never been seen without a guitar in tow; 14 year-old Diego from Toronto, Ontario, a charismatic performer who is as energetic off stage as on; 13 year-old Isabelle from Lorraine, Quebec, a natural performer with an outgoing personality and pop-inspired music; 15 year-old Madi from St. Albert, Alberta, the boho fashionista with a cool sound to match; 13 year-old Mimoza from Winnipeg, Manitoba, known for her soulful voice and ability to command a stage; 15 year-old Victoria from Abbotsford, British Columbia, a multi-talented performer with dance moves that rival the pros.
Viewers are encouraged to cast their votes for their favourite finalist via text message or by visiting YTV.com right up until the live finale on Sunday, September 26 at 7 p.m. The finalist with the most viewer votes will be crowned The Next Star and take home the coveted prize package which includes: Kool-Aid Jammers Ultimate Jam Space featuring an Apple Macbook and Pro Tools recording software, a distribution deal with Universal Music Canada for the winner’s two songs, and a Songwriter Deluxe Acoustic Guitar courtesy of Gibson Guitar.
Throughout the summer, YTV has followed these young aspiring singers as they’ve been guided by industry professionals in different aspects of the music biz. New this year, the top six finalists filmed music videos for their original songs, all of which will be available for viewing on YTV.com. The show’s host Adamo Ruggiero (Degrassi: The Next Generation) and judges Suzie McNeil, Christopher Ward and Steve Cranwell, along with other industry mentors, have all helped lead this fine group of talented kids aged 15 and under in their journey to fame.
To help viewers decide their final vote, YTV will be giving fans two chances to catch earlier episodes from this season. Back-to-back episodes will air on Saturday, September 25 beginning at 1 p.m. Also, on Sunday, September 26 beginning at 12:30 p.m., YTV will air back-to back episodes and the top six music videos leading up to the live finale.
Fans of The Next Star can visit YTV.com to purchase tickets for the Finale at Canada’s Wonderland.
With the release of their pop-punk infused debut album Seven Second Surgery, Faber Drive hit #1 on Much Music, saw 3 top 10 radio singles and were nominated for the Juno award for Best New Artist in 2008. However, the Faber Drive that appears on their sophomore album can’T keEp A SecrEt shows a band that has progressed beyond their debut album. Where Seven Second Surgery laid the ground work for the Vancouver-based band’s career, can’T keEp A SecrEt now builds and evolves, deftly bringing bright colors, edgy tones, and more emotion into the fold and crossing the borders between Faber Drive’s punk rock roots into electro-pop mixed with epic balladry. Faber Drive’s can’T keEp A SecrEt features the hit “G-Get Up And Dance”, “Give Him Up”, “You And I Tonight”, and the brand new single “The Payoff”.
Currently on tour alongside Canadian heavy hitters Hedley, Lights and San Sebastian, These Kids Wear Crowns are getting the attention of music fans and critics everywhere. Since forming in 2009, this Chilliwack, British Columbia-based group has toured across Canada, filmed disBAND and disBAND Discovered with MuchMusic, and found time to work on their first music video for “Break It Up” and re-record, re-master and re-release their self-titled debut EP. Apparently, These Kids don’t sleep. The six-piece group has been gaining a legion of loyal fans, and their first single “Break It Up” is shaking things up at radio stations across the country. From Twitter to Tumblr, Facebook and MySpace, TKWC keep in touch with the fans that have helped this home grown band grow into the next big thing in Canadian pop music. These Kids Wear Crowns are: singer Alex Johnson, guitarists Joshua McDaniel and Joe Porter, bassist Alan Poettcker, synth/programmer Matt Vink and drummer Josh Mitchinson.
Award-winning singer, Suzie McNeil, performed her Olympic-inspired song “Believe” at the 2010 Olympics closing ceremonies. Hot on the heels of a Canadian tour with superstar, Colin James, she recently released her third album, Suzie McNeil – Live Acoustic. 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. It was Steve Cranwell’s 23 years of experience in music marketing that led to the newest chapter of his life, Executive Director of MusiCounts, Canada’s music education charity.
