From a media release:
The Top 6 Will Be Down To One on YTV’s The Next Star Season Finale
- Featuring special guest performances by: Cher Lloyd, Shawn Desman and Neverest Live from Canada’s Wonderland on Sunday, September 23 at 7 p.m. ET
After mastering the art of being a pop star, the time has come for one of the Top 6 finalists to claim the coveted title of The Next Star. Corus Entertainment’s YTV and Tricon Films & Television invite devoted fans to catch the highly anticipated 90-minute season finale live from Canada’s Wonderland on Sunday, September 23 at 7 p.m. ET. Fans who are interested in attending the live event can purchase tickets at thenextstar.ytv.com.
The star-studded finale will feature spectacular performances by special guests including Cher Lloyd, Shawn Desman and Neverest. The Top 6 will hit the stage to perform their own original singles, recorded with the help of some of Canada’s most talented music producers and will also perform an original group single. The Next Star Season 5 album featuring the Top 6 original singles will be released by Sony Music Entertainment Inc and available on iTunes Monday, September 17.
Season 5’s talented group of young singers includes 15-year-old Amer from Brampton, Ontario, a teen heartthrob in the making with a soothing pop sound; 14-year-old Brooklyn from Chatham, Ontario known for her country music style mixed with an R&B edge; 11-year-old Darren from Calgary, known for his powerful and soulful vocals; 15-year-old Grace from Winnipeg, an energetic entertainer with a killer smile; 15-year-old Issy from Winnipeg, a stylish country and pop singer with a unique sound; and 15-year-old Ryan from Toronto, a multi-talented performer and musical whiz. The Top 6 will greet fans during an autograph session prior to the finale from 1 – 2 p.m. at Canada’s Wonderland.
Viewers are encouraged to cast their unlimited votes for their favourite artist via text message or by visiting thenextstar.ytv.com until voting closes on Sunday, September 23 at 7 p.m. ET. The finalist with the most viewer votes will be crowned The Next Star and take home a prize package which includes two songs to be distributed by Sony Music Canada, a $5,000 shopping spree at Sears Canada and an Epiphone Masterbilt Acoustic Guitar and swag courtesy of Gibson Guitar.
Viewers can catch up on all of Season 5 with a marathon of back-to-back episodes on YTV on Sunday, September 23 starting at 2 p.m. ET.
About the special guests:
On October 2nd, Brit teen pop sensation Cher Lloyd will release the North American debut of her album Sticks + Stones. Since “Want U Back” topped iTunes charts in the U.S.A,, fans have been clamoring for more. The album defines her multi-faceted personality and delivers both upbeat pop smashes and punchy urban panache. Cher began her career as a high-energy X Factor contestant and since then she has worked with Busta Rhymes, Mike Posner and Dot Rotten. For more info on Cher Lloyd, please visit www.CherLloyd.com.
Platinum-selling, Juno Award-winning singer, dancer, songwriter and producer Shawn Desman is back with the chart-topping single “Nobody Does It Like You.” Hot on the heels of his FRESH album Desman is poised to release his fourth studio album ALIVE (Universal Music Canada) in a way no other artist has before. His new album will launch in conjunction with a movie set to the music of his new release. The movie will provide audiences with a brand new way to experience music, visual and celebrity content. FRESH garnered a Gold single “Shiver,” and two Platinum singles “Night Like This” and “Electric” which both reached #1 on the charts and also won MMVA for Video of the Year. For all the latest news visit www.shawndesman.com.
As their name suggests, Neverest are absolutely relentless in the pursuit of their musical goals. With the tremendous success of their debut single, “About Us,” Neverest completed a nationwide tour with Stereos, followed by supporting the Canadian and European dates of the highly successful NKOTBSB (Backstreet Boys and New Kids On The Block) tour. “About Us” achieved Gold certification and the accompanying short film to their second single, “Everything” was nominated for a MuchMusic Video Award. Their new single is set to release this fall and their second full-length album will follow early next year. For more information visit www.neverestmusic.com.
About the host and judges:
Gemini-nominated host Adamo Ruggiero returns this season and welcomes a brand new judging panel. JUNO Award-winning R&B/pop sensation Keshia Chanté released her third album Night & Day last year which revealed her undeniable talents by showcasing a range of both high-energy club tracks and emotional, acoustic mid-tempos. Keshia’s previous albums have boasted eight Top 10 radio singles and received numerous accolades. Tara Oram’s top-6 finish on Canadian Idol in 2007 caught the attention of the music business. Since then, Tara has collaborated with A-list songwriters, including sharing the stage with Taylor Swift. Tara’s 2008 debut album Chasing the Sun featured three top-15 Canadian Country singles and earned her a Canadian Country Music Award for Best New Artist. A punk-rocker, record label exec, writer, producer and A&R legend, Edmonton-born Mark Spicoluk lives and breathes music. Mark started indie record label Underground Operations when he was just 16, and has since discovered such music heavyweights as JUNO Award-winning artist Lights, Protest the Hero and Abandon All Ships. Mark’s undeniable eye for talent landed him the position as Sr. A&R and Development at Universal Music Canada, and as A&R for KISS frontman Gene Simmons’ label.
Really? Wat?