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The Brampton Guardian
Search selects Brampton teen for YTV talent series
The Brampton Guardian
Friday July 25 2008
By Ashley Goodfellow, Staff Writer
ALYSSA REID
 
BRAMPTON - Alyssa Reid might be the next music sensation to come out of Brampton.
The 15-year-old St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School student was one of 12 youth selected from across the nation to participate in the launch of YTV’s talent series The Next Star.
The show made its debut on July 18 and the episode featuring Reid will air today.
After a friend gave Reid the heads-up about the program, she auditioned and was offered a spot on the show.
The contestants go to “star school” and are taught by industry professionals. Although she’s been a songstress since the ripe age of three, Reid said this is her first “professional” experience with singing.
During talks in early July, when the show began taping, Reid told The Guardian the experience offered her a variety of opportunities that helped to hone her skills.
“I didn’t really have much experience on stage before,” she said, sharing that the show has helped her overcome any performance anxiety she had. “The experience has been great. Everybody here is very, very talented.”
Samantha Taus, publicist for the show, said the idea is to present a talent search that also educates the participants on how to tackle the music industry.
From the 12 contestants, six will be selected to continue to the final rounds, where they will receive guidance from a panel.
Each episode will have a theme and the contestants will be given an exercise— anything from mastering a media interview to nailing down a unique look.
From there, viewers at home will casts votes for their favourite performer, and one will be named The Next Star.
The top performer will win a recording contract with Universal Music Canada, as well as a professional music video and personal guidance from music industry hit-makers. Their featured single will be included on YTV’s Big Fun Party Mix 10.
The six finalists will have a song included on The Next Star CD, which will be released after the show’s September finale.
Reid said the support from the Brampton community has been great, and friends and family are all rooting for her.
But, she said even if she isn’t selected, the experience has been invaluable.
“Even if I don’t win, I’ll be very, very grateful for the experience,” she said.
For more information, visit www.YTV.com.