From a media release:
Dina Pugliese Named Host of Canada’s Got Talent on Citytv; Opera Sensation Measha Brueggergosman and Renowned Songwriter Stephan Moccio Join Martin Short on Judging Panel
As Canada’s Got Talent’s Live Theatre Audition Tour gets underway this week, Citytv today announced the host and remaining judges for the highly-anticipated talent competition. Breakfast Television Toronto’s Dina Pugliese will host the original Canadian reality series, while prominent soprano Measha Brueggergosman and distinguished musician Stephan Moccio join internationally-renowned Martin Short on the judging panel.
A native of Woodbridge, Ont., Pugliese brings more than 10 years of television experience to her new role on Canada’s Got Talent. The current co-host of Canada’s #1 morning show, Breakfast Television Toronto on Citytv, Pugliese is well-known for her charismatic and engaging on-screen presence. Prior to joining BT in 2006, she appeared in numerous programs, including MuchMusic VJ Search – The Series, for which she earned a hosting Gemini Award nomination; Canada’s Next Top Model, where she served as guest judge; and Citytv’s Canada’s New Year’s Eve Bash, as co-host of the annual live show. In addition to entertainment hosting duties on various programs, such as Toronto Today, The A-List, and Star! Daily, she also has a breadth of producing and writing experience from her early start on Toronto Today and The Bynon Show.
Measha Brueggergosman is most well-known for her stunning soprano voice. Astounding audiences the world over with her powerful and superb gift, she is critically acclaimed by the international press for her innate musicianship and stage presence. The Juno Award-winning soloist from Fredericton, NB, has performed extensively in famed music halls around the world, including London’s Wigmore Hall, Roy Thomson Hall, Carnegie Hall, Spivey Hall, the Kennedy Center and the Palais des Beaux-Arts, to name a few. She has captivated audiences in such roles as Madame Lidoine in Dialogues des Carmélites for Vancouver Opera; as Elektra in Idomeneo at Toronto’s Opera Atelier; and as Sister Rose in Dead Man Walking. Plus, Brueggergosman has performed for international dignitaries and royalty, such as Queen Elizabeth II, Prince of Wales, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, Queen Sonja of Norway, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Nelson Mandela and Kofi Annan.
Also serving as celebrity judge on Canada’s Got Talent is celebrated composer, pianist and producer Stephan Moccio. Originally from St. Catharines, Ont., Moccio created the broadcast theme hit, I Believe, for the Canadian coverage of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, and counts it as one of the highlights throughout his illustrious career. As a highly sought-after music creator, Moccio has worked with internationally-renowned artists, including Céline Dion, Sarah Brightman, Josh Groban, Olivia Newton-John, Hayley Westenra and Gladys Knight. He is a recent Juno Award winner and Gemini Award nominee, and has sold more than 18 million records worldwide. Most recently, Moccio composed and produced the new theme music for Sportsnet and a new theme song for Canada’s Walk of Fame.
“We’re thrilled to unveil this talented and dynamic cast for the inaugural season of Canada’s Got Talent,†said Ed Robinson, Executive Producer, Canada’s Got Talent, Rogers Media. “The powerhouse combination of internationally-celebrated Canadians Martin Short, Measha Brueggergosman and Stephan Moccio, along with charming and engaging host Dina Pugliese, puts Canada’s Got Talent in good stead to uncover the nation’s most promising and talented acts.â€
“Measha and Stephan joining Marty will create a judging panel that is second to none,†said John Brunton, Executive Producer, Canada’s Got Talent, Insight Productions. “Dina is the perfect host with loads of experience, her razor-sharp wit and stunning beauty will be a perfect accompaniment to this panel. Add to this mix the most talented Canadians in this country, and you’ve got a recipe for endless entertainment.â€
The host and judges embark on the Canada’s Got Talent Live Theatre Audition Tour beginning tomorrow in Calgary, the first of six cities to see the short-list of talented performers who came out in unprecedented numbers for the first round of auditions. Tickets for the tour are available through www.canadasgottalent.com.
Canada’s Got Talent – Live Theatre Audition Tour Schedule
- Calgary: October 18 & 19, Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
- Vancouver: November 9 & 10, The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts
- Toronto: December 3, 4 & 5, John W. H. Bassett Theatre (Metro Toronto Convention Centre)
- Winnipeg: December 13 & 14, Pantages Playhouse Theatre
- Halifax: January 5 & 6, Rebecca Cohn Auditorium (Dalhousie University Arts Centre)
- Montreal: January 11 & 12, Théâtre Outremont
*all dates and venues are subject to change
Follow us on Twitter @CGTCitytv and like us on Facebook for the latest updates, info and announcements.
