The Next Star | Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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What are the age requirements to be eligible for The Next
Star?

The competition is open to Canadian citizens (or Landed Immigrants) aged 15 on May 1, 2008 and all ages younger (your age on that date will determine your eligibility). The ages for eligibility are meant to showcase and judge the talent of competitors who have roughly the same level of experience and maturity.

Don't forget to bring IDENTIFICATION.

You need ONE (1) piece of recent and valid identification when you register that clearly indicates (A) who you are; (B) what you look like; and (C) how old you are. It must be PHOTO ID. Examples include: valid passport, student card (with picture), notarized photo with birth certificate, health card or government-issued card that identifies you. If you don't have proper identification now, start working on obtaining it BEFORE you audition.

I'm 15 now, but I turn 16 before May 1, 2008. Am I still
eligible to audition?

NO. Competitors may not be older than the age of 15 on May 1, 2008 to be eligible for The Next Star.

Does an adult have to stay with me through the entire
audition process?

YES. You must be accompanied by an adult through the entire audition process. Your chaperone will NOT be permitted into the audition room. Please be aware that the auditions can take a couple days if you advance in the audition process.

Does a parent or legal guardian have to take me to the
audition?

NO. A parent or legal guardian must read and sign the application. If you are accompanied to the audition by an adult who is not your legal guardian, you must have all paperwork signed by the parent or legal guardian and brought to the audition.

How long should I put aside for an audition?

Depending on the number of competitors, and how far you advance into the audition process, you could end up being at the audition site all day. All successful competitors may be asked to return on a subsequent day to audition on-camera in front of the judges. Again, please be prepared to be at the audition site all day.

What song(s) can I sing in my audition?

You are permitted to sing any song you like when you are auditioning before the Producer or someone working on the Producer’s behalf. If you make it to an oncamera audition before the judges, you MUST sing a song from the Eligible Audition Song List.

Where Can I find the Eligible Audition Song List?

The Eligible Audition Song List is listed on the show’s website: thenextstar.ytv.com. This list is updated regularly so please check back for updates.

Are instruments allowed in the auditions?

YES. We want to ensure our search for The Next Star is as thorough as possible, therefore we are allowing competitors to audition with musical instruments. Many competitors may feel more comfortable in an audition setting by accompanying themselves on an instrument. Competitors are judged on a whole range of factors, including singing ability, style and presence. Ability to play an instrument is yet another dimension to each competitor's complete package. Ultimately, competitors are judged on their overall potential to become The Next Star.

If I don't play an instrument, will I have less of a chance
for a successful audition?

NO. The Next Star is first and foremost a singing competition. You will not be at any disadvantage in the audition process if you choose to sing without instrumental accompaniment.

What type of instruments can accompany me at my
audition?

You are allowed to bring any type of instrument you wish as long as you are able to sing and play at the same time.

When do I need to register by to ensure I get an audition?

Audition registration is always from 7 – 9 a.m. on the dates and locations as listed on the website: the nextstar.ytv.com. If you arrive before 9 a.m., you will be guaranteed an audition. If you arrive after 9 a.m., you will NOT be guaranteed an audition time slot. If you want to be among the first to see the judges, venues open at 6 a.m. on the day of auditions. Participants arriving before the posted opening time will be turned away by security. Auditions begin at 7 a.m. and continue until we have auditioned everyone. In some cities, the auditions happen over several days, so depending on the number of auditioners, you may be asked to return on subsequent days to audition.

Will everyone who comes out for an audition get a chance
to perform?

If you arrive at the audition location at the assigned registration times, on the day of audition(s) you will be seen by a Producer. Please visit thenextstar.ytv.com for the list of audition dates and locations.

If I am not available to attend the audition on the date that
you are in my city, can I still submit an application?

NO. In order to audition you must be available at that casting location on the assigned date.

What if I don’t live in one of the six cities that you are
casting in? Can I audition on-line?

NO. All competitors must audition in person.

Can I audition twice in my city if I don't make it on the first
day?

Unfortunately, NO. In order to be fair to all the competitors, each competitor gets one chance to audition per city. If you don't make it in one city, you can always audition in another.

Should I read the rules and regulations? Where do I find
them?

YES. It is advisable that you read the rules and regulations before you audition. The complete list of rules and regulations are found online at: thenextstar.ytv.com

What is a Regional Release Form and where do I get
them?

The Regional Release Form is a mandatory registration form that all people who wish to audition for The Next Star MUST fill out. This form confirms that you have read and understood all the rules of the competition and it confirms that you have your parent or guardians' consent to audition.

When you come to audition, you present the Regional Release Form at the registration table. The release forms are available at thenextstar.ytv.com AND at the audition location. However, in order to speed up the registration process, it is advised that you have your release form completely filled out at the time of your arrival.

What else do I need to bring to the audition?

Don't forget to bring IDENTIFICATION. You need ONE (1) piece of recent and valid identification when you register that clearly indicates (A) who you are; (B) what you look like; and (C) how old you are. It must be PHOTO ID. Examples include: valid passport, student card (with picture), health card or government-issued card that identifies you. If you don't have proper identification now, start working on obtaining it BEFORE you audition.

What do I need to do to prepare for my audition?

- DRESS TO IMPRESS but please BE YOURSELF and let your personality shine. You could be on television so look your best for the judges. Do NOT wear clothes with visible logos, trademarks or offensive language or you will not be seen on television. If you want to be on TV, you cannot wear clothing with visible logos or trademarks. You also can not dress up like a celebrity, living or dead, or bear any resemblance to a character in a movie, TV show, musical or play. - Bring plenty of water: you want to hydrate your vocal chords.
- Please have a minimum of TWO (2) songs (of your own choice) prepared for the audition. The more prepared you are going into the audition the better.
- You will be asked to sing a capella ("without music"). If you choose, you can accompany yourself on an instrument (i.e. sing and play at the same time).
- You will be required to sing a verse and a chorus, but it is good to know the entire song.
- You will be judged on your overall talent - your singing ability, style, presence and ultimately your potential to be a The Next Star.
- You WILL be permitted to play an instrument in your audition should you choose. However, you will not be at any disadvantage in the audition process if you choose to sing without instrumental accompaniment.
- Be prepared to tell us a little about yourself - what your interests, hobbies and other talents are - and what makes you stand out above the crowd.

How does the audition process work?

- Registration begins promptly at 7 a.m.
- After registration, competitors are brought in groups of five to "Tier One" audition rooms. There is no set time for the audition. Unsuccessful competitors return to Holding Area and then depart venue.
- Successful competitors from "Tier One" advance to "Tier Two" auditions, which are more intensive. Competitors perform alone in "Tier Two" auditions and may be asked to sing several selections. Competitors are interviewed by a Producer.
- Successful competitors from "Tier Two" advance to "Celebrity Auditions." Unsuccessful competitors return to Holding Area and then depart venue.
- "Celebrity Auditions" are held on a different day. Auditions are performed on camera in front of The Next Star’s three-member judging panel.
- Successful competitors from "Celebrity Auditions" advance to the next round of the competition. From there, only 12 competitors will make it to the series. There is no set quota for each city: judges will advance as many as they feel are qualified.

How long is my audition?

Until the end of your song or until you are asked to stop.

How long will it take to go through the audition process
in my city?

This will depend on a number of factors, i.e. your place in line, the number of people that show up and how far you go in the audition process. The audition process may take a number of days.

How many competitors will advance to Toronto for the
Top 12 from each city?

There is no pre-determined "quota" in each city. The judges will select who they feel deserve to go to Toronto - so show them what you've got!

Does it cost anything to try out?

NO. It does not cost anything to audition. But you are required to pay your own way to the audition in each of the audition cities.

If I have a contract or a manager for anything
entertainment related (music and otherwise), am I still
eligible to compete?

NO. All individuals under contract (management or otherwise) for anything entertainment-related, even if non-musical (i.e. modeling), are NOT eligible to participate in The Next Star auditions.

If I am a member of ACTRA can I audition for The Next Star?

YES, you must sign off on an ACTRA release form when you arrive at the auditions and you must waive your ACTRA fees for the purpose of competing in the show.

Can I bring a friend to my audition?

YES. We encourage you to bring friends and family with you to support you through the audition process. However, please note that depending on the city and the venue, we may not have the capacity to fit all guests into the facility. No guests - including parents and guardians - are allowed into the audition room with you.

How can I stay informed of last-minute changes and
audition updates?

Keep logging onto our website, thenextstar.ytv.com, for last-minute changes to audition sites and eligible songs. Producers often use this website to inform people of audition updates and changes.

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