A media release from CTV:
Thirty-three CDs. Seven No. 1 singles. Almost one million units sold. Sixteen JUNO nominations. Over the past four years, Canadian Idol has not only changed the lives of hundreds of singers across the country, but the Canadian music industry as well. Now, the dream-making series returns for a fifth blockbuster season next Tuesday, June 5 at 8:30 p.m. ET (visit CTV.ca to confirm local broadcast times) with a 90-minute audition episode featuring the best and worst of this year’s cross-Canada audition tour. Thirty-one episodes later, another life will be changed when the next Canadian Idol is crowned.
In 2003, Canadian Idol made Canadian television history by becoming the most-watched, home-grown (English language) series of all time. Four seasons later, Canadian Idol continues to hold that title as well as Summer’s No. 1 show overall. Last September’s finale peaked at 3.4 million viewers when Eva Avila was crowned the 2006 Canadian Idol champion.
Now, Canadian Idol returns with a format change that has dramatically changed the game: instruments. The North American-first resulted in a whole new crop of talent which, for the first time, saw more guys than girls land the coveted “Gold Ticket” to the Top 200 round.
“Canadian Idol is one of those rare shows that actually makes a difference,” said Susanne Boyce, CTV President of Programming and Chair of the Media Group. “Not only to the competitors whose lives are changed by the experience, but to viewers at home as well.”
“This is one of the best cross-country auditions we’ve ever had,” said Executive Producer John Brunton. “Allowing competitors to audition with instruments has attracted a level of talent that we haven’t seen before. Get ready for one of the best seasons ever.”
The season begins with a 90-minute episode on June 5 (8:30 – 10 p.m. ET) with highlights from auditions in Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, Winnipeg, St. John’s and Halifax. The broadcast schedule then unfolds as follows (all times ET; times and dates subject to change; go to idol.ctv.ca to confirm local broadcast times):
- Continuing Tuesday, June 12 with a 90-minute episode from 8:30 – 10 p.m. featuring auditions from Saskatoon, Montreal,Vancouver and London.
- Top 200 episodes air Monday, June 18 from 9-10 p.m. and Tuesday, June 19 from 8:30 – 10 p.m.
- Top 22 performance episodes air Mondays/Tuesdays from 9 – 10 p.m. beginning June 25
- Top 22 results episodes air Wednesdays from 7:30 – 8 p.m. beginning June 27
- First Top 10 shows airs Tuesday, July 17 from 8:30 – 10 p.m. and Wednesday, July 18 from 7:30 – 8 p.m.
- Top 10 shows move to their regular timeslot on Mondays from 9 – 10 p.m. and Tuesdays from 8:30 – 9 p.m., beginning July 23
