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 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.