'Canadian Idol' kicks off 10-city audition tour in Edmonton Jan. 26

TORONTO - "Canadian Idol" kicks off its sixth season with a 10-city audition tour beginning Jan. 26 in Edmonton and is once again inviting would-be stars to bring musical instruments.

Hamilton, Ont., the hometown of reigning Canadian Idol Brian Melo, will be among the stops.

It's the second year that performers can accompany themselves at the auditions. In 2007, almost half of contestants who made it past the initial stage of competition chose to do so.

"When CTV announced the addition of musical instruments last year, I knew I had to try out," said Melo. "I am so grateful that I did. It has changed my life forever."

The show, which will return to the air in June, is hosted by Ben Mulroney, son of former prime minister Brian Mulroney. CTV recently announced the younger Mulroney is engaged to Montreal clothing designer Jessica Brownstein.

"Idol" has been a huge hit for Canada's largest private broadcaster.

"'Canadian Idol' continues to defy expectations," said Susanne Boyce, president of creative, content and channels at CTV Inc.

"This show has established itself as the place to be for undiscovered Canadian talent and guest stars alike. We look forward to meeting a new crop of hidden talent this year. "

Here are the cities, dates and locations, where available, of auditions:

-Edmonton, Jan. 26-27, West Edmonton Mall.

-Calgary, Feb 2-3, Sunridge Mall.

-Vancouver, Feb. 9-10, Metropolis at Metrotown.

-Winnipeg, Feb. 23-24, St. Vital Centre.

-Hamilton, March 1-2.

-Ottawa, March 8-9.

-Montreal, March 15-16.

-Halifax, March 29-30.

-St. John's, N.L., April 12.

-Toronto, April 19-20.

Auditions for "Canadian Idol" are open to all Canadians aged 16-28 as of Jan. 25. For more information about "Canadian Idol," registration forms, rules and regulations, visit idol.CTV.ca.

source: http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5ixLlgScp7wFCsDA5t8oVjym-XafQ

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