First episode of the first season of Canadian Idol aired on June 9, 2003.

For the last sixth season the audience of the show counted 2.75 million viewers and thus it became Canada’s most popular program.

Despite it in December 2008 CTV announced that due to the harsh economic situation Canadian Idol will be suspended for the 2009, but they promised to return it in 2010.

The show also has a “rowing reporter” who appears in comedy sketches during the show.

For the first three series such reporter was Jon Dore who was replaced by Elena Juatco in season four and by Dave Kerr in season five and finally by July Black in season six.

Finalists are determined by viewers’ votes.

On the first day they have two hours after the show to vote for the favorite contestant.

The next day the one with the fewest votes is sent home and the others are performing for the second time.

After the second episode viewers have several days to vote and the competitor getting the most votes is considered a winner.

Final stage of the show on which one winner must be selected from the Top 10 is held at the John Bassett Theatre in Toronto, Ontario.

THE IDEA:
The idea of the show is taken from the Fox show ‘American Idol‘, which in its turn is not an original but based on the British show ‘Pop Idol‘.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE SHOW:
During the show participants are competing to find the best novice singer in Canada.

How old do I need to be in order to be eligible for Canadian Idol?
The competition is open to Canadian citizens (or Landed Immigrants) aged between 16 and 28 on the day of your audition (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.

Why are instruments now allowed in the auditions?
As we want to make certain our search for the next Canadian Idol is as thorough as possible, we are now allowing competitors to audition with musical instruments. Many competitors have indicated they 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 Canadian Idol.

If I don’t play an instrument, will I have less of a chance for a successful audition?
NO. Canadian Idol 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. You are responsible for your instruments and will not receive any assistance from production staff – you must be able to carry your instrument with you throughout the audition process.

What time should I arrive at the auditions?
You can arrive at the auditions ANYTIME between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on each day of the auditions in your city. However, 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. If you have subscribed to the Canadian Idol newsletter at idol.ctv.ca, you may be notified by e-mail about a change in the opening time.

Will everyone who comes out for an audition get a chance to perform?
If you arrive at the audition location between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the day of audition(s) you will be seen. Please visit www.idol.ctv.ca for the list of audition dates and locations.

If there are two scheduled audition days in my city and I can’t make it on the first day of auditions, can I come to audition on the second day?
YES. Please check www.idol.ctv.ca to confirm how many days of auditions are going to be held where you live. If one day is better than another for your schedule, you can come down on which ever day works best for you as long as you arrive between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

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 once chance to audition per city. If you don’t make it in one city, you can always audition in another.

If I auditioned last year, can I audition again this year?
YES.

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 www.idol.ctv.ca.

What is a Regional Release Form and where do I get one?
The Regional Release Form is a mandatory registration form that all people who wish to audition for Canadian Idol MUST fill out. This form confirms that you have read and understood all the rules of the competition and for those under the Age of Majority, it confirms that you have your parent or guardians’ consent to audition.
When you come to audition, present the Regional Release Form at the registration table. The release forms are available at www.idol.ctv.ca 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 if I’m under the Age of Majority?
If you are under the Age of Majority (in either your province of residence or the province in which you will be auditioning), you are required to bring a Regional Release Form signed by a Parent or Legal Guardian over the age of majority. The release form must be filled out in its entirety.

What is the Age of Majority?
The Age of Majority is: 18 years in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, PEI, Quebec and Saskatchewan and 19 years in B.C., New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut and Yukon.

If my parent signs the Release Form, does he or she have to come with me to the audition?
NO. You only need the signature from either a Parent or a Legal Guardian. Please note the signature of a witness (over the age of majority) is also required. However, attempting to “re-create” any of these signatures will result in immediate dismissal from the audition process.

What else do I need to bring to the audition?
Don’t forget to bring IDENTIFICATION. You need TWO (2) pieces 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. One of the two pieces must be PHOTO ID. Examples include: a birth certificate, driver’s license, valid passport, health card or government-issued card that identifies you. If you don’t have proper identification now, obtain some 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.
• 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 over-all talent – your singing ability, style, presence and ultimately your potential to be a Canadian Idol.
• 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 8 a.m., but you can register throughout the day until 4 p.m. on each day of the auditions.
• 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 the judge.
• 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 and often at a different venue. Auditions are performed on camera in front of Canadian Idol’s four-member judging panel (Farley Flex, Jake Gold, Sass Jordan & Zack Werner).
• Successful competitors from “Celebrity Auditions” are provided with a Gold Ticket and advance to the “Top 100″ round in Toronto. 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 100 from each city?
There is no pre-determined “quota” in each city. The judges give out Gold Tickets to as many people as they feel deserve to go to Toronto. Last year, there were 212 Gold Ticket winners – 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 Canadian Idol auditions.

If I am a member of ACTRA can I audition for Canadian Idol?
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?
Subscribe to the Canadian Idol newsletter at www.idol.ctv.ca. Producers often use this e-mail list to inform people of audition updates and changes.

*based on the Official Canadian Idol FAQ