August 1, 2006

Rock Stars Dennis DeYoung and Roger Hodgson Jam Live on Canadian Idol, August 7 and 8 on CTV

-- DeYoung and Hodgson help the Top 7 celebrate classic rock --

Toronto, ON (August 1, 2006) – The Canadian Idol Top 7 will rock out with Dennis DeYoung and Roger Hodgson in next week’s tribute to Classic Rock, CTV announced today. DeYoung, former STYX singer, and Hodgson, formerly of Supertramp, are the featured guests as Canadian Idol turns up the amps next Monday, August 7 and Tuesday, August 8 at 8 p.m. ET on CTV (check local listings).

The DEP/Universal Music Canada recording artists will appear in segments on Monday night’s performance episode as they lead each member of the Canadian Idol Top 7 in rehearsal workshops. Then, on Tuesday’s results show, DeYoung and Hodgson will perform live on the Canadian Idol stage before Canada learns the name of the next eliminated competitor.

** Media Note ** - Photography and audio clips from Canadian Idol are available online at the Canadian Idol Media Centre at www.idolpix.ca.

“As proven with this week’s workshops with Cyndi Lauper, the Idols can benefit enormously from the experience of established artists such as Dennis and Roger,” said Susanne Boyce, CTV President of Programming and Chair of the CTV Media Group. “We know they’ll bring the rock star out in each of the competitors.”

“Picture two musical rock geniuses working and performing together for the first time,” said Executive Producer John Brunton. “It’s going to be outstanding.”

DeYoung, a founding member of the band STYX, has been a singer, songwriter, keyboardist and producer over four decades. His singing talents have made his voice one of the most recognizable in the world. DeYoung has sung and written such rock classics as: “Lady,” “Come Sail Away,” “Best of Times,” “Mr. Roboto,” “Show Me the Way” and the People’s Choice Award Winner, “Babe.” STYX sold over 35 million albums and scored ten Top Ten singles worldwide. In addition, DeYoung has recorded four solo albums including Desert Moon, whose title track achieved Top Ten status. Currently in stores is the performer’s latest project on CD and DVD: Dennis DeYoung and the Music of STYX (Live with Symphony Orchestra).

“Being a former high school music teacher, I am thrilled to work with these aspiring young musicians,” said DeYoung.

Roger Hodgson has been recognized as one of the most gifted composers, songwriters and lyricists of our times. As the signature voice of Supertramp, he gave us “Give a Little Bit,” “The Logical Song,” “Dreamer,” “Take the Long Way Home,” “Breakfast In America,” “Fools Overture” and so many others that have become the soundtrack for our lives. Hodgson co-founded Supertramp, one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll bands ever, in 1969 and was with them for 14 years. He left the band in 1983 to follow his heart, live a simple lifestyle in nature, watch his children grow up and pursue his spiritual values. During the time that Hodgson led the band, Supertramp sold well over 80 million albums. In Canada alone, sales for Crime of the Century and Breakfast in America reached Diamond status. Hodgson is a multi-talented musician, being a keyboardist, guitarist and pianist, who is currently performing solo and orchestra concerts worldwide. He is set to release his first ever solo concert DVD, Take The Long Way Home - Live In Montreal, on August 22 before starting on a Canadian concert tour beginning October 27 through mid-November. For further information, visit www.RogerHodgson.com.

“When I was first invited to be a mentor on Canadian Idol, I thought what a wonderful idea – absolutely brilliant,” said Hodgson. “I love working with young people that are aspiring artists. Having been around the block a few times, I hope I’ll have something to offer them.”

Canadian Idol was created by Simon Fuller and is produced in association with CTV by Insight Productions. John Brunton and Barbara Bowlby are Executive Producers. Mark Lysakowski is Supervising Producer. Senior Producer is Sue Brophey. Mary Sexton is Regional Producer. Jane Rimer is Executive Consultant for FremantleMedia. Rick Lewchuk is CTV’s Senior Vice-President, Program Planning and Promotion. Ed Robinson is CTV’s Senior Vice-President, Comedy, Variety and Talk. Susanne Boyce is CTV President of Programming and Chair of the CTV Media Group.

FremantleMedia is one of the largest international creators and producers of programme brands in the world, with leading prime time drama, serial drama, entertainment and factual entertainment programming in over 40 territories. FremantleMedia has production offices in over 20 countries worldwide, providing local sales and production support for its international TV brands such as Idols and the world’s longest running game show, The Price is Right.

The company’s licensing operation, FremantleMedia Licensing Worldwide, exploits FremantleMedia’s many strong brands across multiple off-screen platforms including merchandising campaigns, interactive and wireless support, home entertainment and music publishing. Fremantle International Distribution, the company’s international distribution division licenses over 19,000 hours of programming to 150 countries worldwide. FremantleMedia is the content arm of the RTL Group, Europe's largest television and radio broadcast company. For further information please see FremantleMedia’s website www.fremantlemedia.com.

CTV, Canada's largest private broadcaster, offers a wide range of quality news, sports, information, and entertainment programming. It has the number-one national newscast, CTV National News With Lloyd Robertson, and is the number-one choice for prime-time viewing. CTV owns 21 conventional television stations across Canada and has interests in 17 specialty channels, including the number-one Canadian specialty channel, TSN. CTV is owned by CTVglobemedia, Canada's premier multi-media company. More information about CTV may be found on the company website at www.ctv.ca.


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