August 8, 2006

World First: Canadian Idol Goes Unplugged, August 14 and 15 on CTV

-- Singer/songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk guest stars as Canadian Idol goes acoustic --

Toronto, ON (August 8, 2006) – Canadian Idol will once again re-invent the format when it becomes the first Idol franchise in the world to present all-acoustic “unplugged” episodes next week. For the first time ever, Canadian Idol will leave its spectacular Top 10 studios for one week for the more intimate setting of Toronto’s legendary Masonic Temple Concert Hall when it broadcasts next Monday, August 14 and Tuesday, August 15 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV (check local listings). Along for the move is Canadian singer/songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk, who will guide the remaining Top 6 competitors as they sing live with basic accompaniment in front of a cozy crowd of just 200 people on Monday night’s show. On Tuesday’s live results show, Kreviazuk performs herself from her upcoming CD Ghost Stories.

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

It is the first time any country has ever presented an “unplugged” episode among the more than three dozen Idol franchises around the world. Surrounded by an intimate audience comfortably seated in the round on couches and pillows, the Top 6 take Canadian Idol to a whole new level when they perform live unaccompanied by any electric instruments or backing tracks. Accompanied only by guitar, bass, percussion and/or piano, the raw vocal talent of the Top 6 will be laid bare as they perform on a stripped-down set under the tutelage of Kreviazuk.

"I have been watching the show and am very impressed with some of the performances. I'm just happy that I don't have to judge!” said Kreviazuk. “There is so much talent here, and I cannot wait to be a part of the process.”

Kreviazuk, an accomplished singer in her own right, has also recently become known as one of the premier songwriters in the industry by penning hits for the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Gwen Stefani and Canada’s own Avril Lavigne.

Known for her ability to get to a song’s true essence in her own performances, the Sony BMG Music (Canada) Inc. recording artist will share her talents with the Canadian Idol competitors as she leads rehearsal workshops to be featured in segments on Monday’s performance episode. During these sessions, she will use her expertise to guide the competitors in adapting their performances to smaller, more intimate surroundings.

On Tuesday’s results show, Kreviazuk will also perform unplugged with the Top 6 in a group performance number before taking to the stage with her band to perform a selection from her new CD.

“Chantal Kreviazuk is the perfect addition to Canadian Idol’s first acoustic show,” said Susanne Boyce, CTV President of Programming and Chair of the CTV Media Group. “She is not only a singer and performer but a writer who has crafted hits for Grammy Award-winning artists and helped them to adapt to all different kinds of performances.”

"We know that Chantal will be a true mentor and a huge inspiration to the competitors as they face this whole new challenge," said Executive Producer John Brunton. "The competitors have already benefited enormously from working with our special guest stars this season and I know that they are thrilled at the opportunity to work with this accomplished artist."

Kreviazuk is gearing up for the release of her fourth album Ghost Stories on August 29, which was entirely written and produced by herself and husband Raine Maida of Our Lady Peace. Unlike her earlier work, Ghost Stories is much more rhythmic and charging with the piano riff emerging first and providing the foundation for the songs. While other artists tend to mellow as their career progresses, Kreviazuk found that she was crafting her most driving work with this album. Kreviazuk and Maida worked on the album out of their own home, charting new ideas and pecking away at songs during the course of the day before bunkering down to really make progress on the tracks together under the cloak of night. When completed, the album was mixed in studio by Michael Brauer (Coldplay, Bravery, Bob Dylan and Jeff Buckley).

In 2004, Canadian Idol became the first Idol franchise in the world to present its competitors accompanying themselves with musical instruments. In 2005, Canadian Idol became the first Idol series to allow viewers to determine the semi-final wild card competitors by popular vote. Additionally, Canadian Idol judge Sass Jordan became the first Idol magistrate to sing on their own series when she presented a touching performance during the Canadian Idol season finale.

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.

On the web:

www.idol.ctv.ca.
www.chantalkreviazuk.com



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