Tricon Films and Television’s The Next Star returns to YTV this summer for its second season. The show embarks for a second time on a nationwide, six-city search for Canada’s next young talent beginning.

Hosted by Adamo Ruggiero (Degrassi: The Next Generation), The Next Star hopefuls will be mentored by an esteemed panel of Canadian experts, including returning mentors, musician Suzie McNeil, songwriter Christopher Ward and music marketing exec Steve Cranwell.

The Next Star is open to kids aged 15 and under and focuses on finding Canada’s next young singing sensation. From the open call auditions, the Top 16 will be featured, and six finalists will be chosen to go through The Next Star process; a series of assignments to equip them in becoming a star. Whether the endeavour is a vocal challenge, mastering a media interview or nailing down a signature look, the question will be: who can master all facets of being a true star? The finalist with the most viewer votes will be named the winner and take the title of The Next Star at a live finale, and receive the grand prize.

“The Next Star is unique from other shows because it gives kids an opportunity to showcase their talent. The judges and guest stars guide the performers with constructive feedback to help them hone their craft,” said Jocelyn Hamilton, Vice President, Programming and Production, Corus Kids. “With millions of Canadians tuning into Season 1, The Next Star has proven it’s an experience the whole family can enjoy.”

The show is produced by TMKO client, Tricon Films and Television, one of Canada’s largest independent production and distribution companies. Tricon has established itself as a leader of high quality factual and scripted content and remains committed to producing and distributing programming that performs both domestically and around the world.  For more information on Tricon’s programming please visit www.triconfilms.com.