Corus Entertainment’s YTV is about to kick off nationwide auditions for its new summer series The Next Star, which is on the sked for Friday, July 18 in the 6 pm time slot. The talent reality show aims to get Canadians aged 15 and under competing for a recording contract.

Six contestants will be chosen to go through a series of assignments to determine if they are ready to be a star. Each themed ep will see contestants given an exercise, which could be anything from a vocal challenge to a media interview or nailing down a signature look.

Once the series launches in July, the website (hosted at YTV.com) will engage viewers with streaming video and voting. Contestant microsites will include blogs, songs, video and votes.

Exec producer Andrea Gorfolova says the show ‘focuses on mentorship – it’s not an elimination show. We want to give them every chance in the world to succeed in the music industry and are truly rooting for their success.’

Auditions will take place in six cities: Halifax (Saturday, May 17), Montreal (Wednesday, May 21), Toronto (Saturday, May 24), Winnipeg (Saturday, May 31), Vancouver (Tuesday, June 3) and Calgary (Friday, June 6). The show’s host and judging panel will be announced in the coming weeks.