YTV’s The Next Star
“I was very nervous and very excited at the same time.”
This was how 13-year old Winnipegger Mimoza Moureen Duot described her feelings while auditioning for YTV’s The Next Star in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Winnipeg was not included in the audition stop this year, so Mimoza begged her parents to drive all the way to Saskatoon so she can audition. Her parents were reluctant at first and asked her to wait a few more years, but Mimoza felt this was the right time.
“I felt that I was ready and I’ve been waiting for this chance, so here I am!” And her perserverance paid off. Mimoza was among the top 16 contestants out of the 4,000 hopefuls from different parts of the country to get a shot at being The Next Star.
Mimoza is a familiar face to many, as she and her brother often volunteer their time and talent to different community events such as the Asian Heritage Festival, as well various community fundraisers.
Currently, Mimoza and her mom Mimi and brother Moises – himself included in the Top 12 of the same competition two years ago — are in Toronto, while Mimoza competes and hopes to be in the Top 6 which will be announced on August 10.
The six finalists to be chosen will be mentored throughout the remaining YTV episodes. They will be challenged in every aspect of the biz from vocal exercises to participating in media interviews to perfecting a signature look. The six finalists will also record an original song that will be released on a compilation album. Only one of the six will become The Next Star and receive the grand prize package at the series’ finale on Sunday, September 26, live from Canada’s Wonderland. Viewers will have to vote for their favorite via YTV.com or by texting. Grand prize includes: Kool-Aid Jammers Ultimate Jam Space featuring an Apple Macbook and Pro Tools recording software, a distribution deal with Universal Music Canada, and a Songwriter Deluxe Acoustic Guitar courtesy of Gibson Guitar.
Celebrity Judges for the show are: Suzie McNeil, Christoper Ward and Steve Cranwell.
