Corus Entertainment’s YTV is about to kick off nationwide auditions for its new summer series The Next Star, which is on the schedule for July 18, running Fridays at 6 p.m. ET. The talent reality show has kids aged 15 and under competing for a recording contract.

Six contestants will be chosen to go through a series of assignments to determine if they are ready to be a star. Each themed episode will see contestants given an exercise, including vocal challenges, mastering a media interview or nailing down a signature look.

Once the series launches in July, ytv.com will feature streaming video, voting, blogs and songs.

Exec producer Andrea Gorfolova of Toronto’s Tricon Films & Television, which is producing the show, says Star ‘focuses on mentorship — it’s not an elimination show. We want to give them every chance in the world to succeed in the music industry and are truly rooting for their success.’

Auditions will take place in Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg, Vancouver and Calgary in May and June. The show’s host and judging panel will be announced in the coming weeks.

From Media in Canada