TV, eh?

From Tamsyn Burgmann of the Canadian Press:

• 14-year-old Nova Scotia boy crowned ‘Next Star’ in YTV talent competition
  “A 14-year-old heartthrob in the making from Nova Scotia serenaded his way Sunday to the title of YTV’s “The Next Star,” a national talent competition for kids.” Read more.

From a media release:

The Moment has Arrived: Who Will be the Next Star?

• Live Finale at Canada’s Wonderland on Sunday, September 28 at 7 p.m.

It’s the question fans have been asking for months: which of the six young finalists will become The Next Star? Corus Entertainment’s YTV, Tricon Films & Television and Universal Music Canada invite viewers to catch the season finale of this popular series live from Canada’s Wonderland on Sunday, September 28 at 7 p.m. on YTV.

(more…)

From Blogcritics, based on the TV, eh? Blogtalkradio interview:

• An Interview with Adamo Ruggiero of Degrassi: The Next Generation and The Next Star
  “‘I was annoyed at everyone so petrified about the future and ignoring the present,’ he revealed about the decision to come out and fears about how it might affect his career. ‘I thought, right now I have this voice, and that might not be there in 5 years or 10 years. … All the people I thought wouldn’t be able to adapt or understand suddenly turned around and taught me something: that there’s people willing to learn if there’s people willing to teach. I’ve been blessed to have people be so supportive.’” Read more.

Adamo Ruggiero, who plays Marco on Degrassi: The Next Generation and is host of YTV’s new kids’ talent show The Next Star, talks about both shows and how coming out on Degrassi and real life has allowed him to be an advocate for an issue close to his heart.

Listen in the player below, visit the show site, or subscribe via iTunes or with any other program via the TV, Eh? feed.

Adamo Ruggiero, who plays Marco on Degrassi: The Next Generation and is host of YTV’s new talent competition, The Next Star, is Sunday’s guest on TV, eh? Blogtalkradio. Joining me as interviewer is Blogcritics‘ “Degrassi specialist” Maddy, who also has her own Blogtalkradio show, The Teenaged World of Maddy.

Listen live Sunday, July 20 at 11 am Pacific/2 pm Eastern and join the discussion by calling 646-200-4063 (or sign in and look for the Click to Talk button on the show site). Or catch the podcast afterwards.

July 27, we’re joined by Casey Walker, a director with YTV’s The Adrenaline Project who is funding his upcoming feature film project in a very unusual way — by selling frames of the movie for $10 each.

From Eric Kohanik of the Ottawa Citizen:

• YTV series turns spotlight on talented Canadian youngsters
  “OK, so we’ve already got Canadian Idol. And, yes, there’s America’s Got Talent. There’s Dance Machine and So You Think You Can Dance, too. And, of course, how could we ever forget something like How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? There are plenty of others. So, hey, what’s wrong with adding yet one more entry to the overcrowded arena of talent shows on TV this summer?” Read more.

From Catherin Dawson March of the Globe and Mail:

• Fame-seeking children: adorable and annoying
  “Consider the show Canadian Idol’s kid sister; just like a little sister, it can be both adorable and annoying as it apes the look and affectations of its older sibling.” Read more.

From Victoria Ahearn of the Canadian Press:

• TV Tonight

From Brian of Zap2it:

• No ‘parade of horror’ for these pop-star wannabes
  “If we can go by the kids auditioning for “The Next Star” this summer, the future of music may not be so bleak after all. The series, premiering Friday, July 18, on YTV, follows the multicity audition and audience-voting format. But that’s where the similarity to shows like “Canadian Idol” ends, says producer Jameel Bharmal.” Read more.

From Tamsyn Burgmann of the Canadian Press:

• YTV seeks out ‘The Next Star’
  “Dubbed the first Canadian talent series for kids 15 and under, YTV’s “The Next Star” is part “Canadian Idol,” part “Kids Say the Darndest Things.” While there’s a competitive beat underlying the program - only one kid will receive the top honour - the show doesn’t revolve around the sometimes nasty eliminations seen in live, adult-based TV talent searches.” Read more.