In springtime, THE NEXT STAR judging panel toured across Canada in search of fresh, bubbly personalities with powerful voices begging to be heard. Thousands auditioned, twelve earned Golden Tickets, and the field has now narrowed to six. Over the coming weeks, these six young talents will be seen practicing and performing before the judges and Canadian audiences. The big finale unfolds at Canada’s Wonderland on September 22, where a winner will be crowned. This season has drawn attention from readers as the six shared their sound, what to expect from the finale, and why they are labeled The Next Star.
Paige Prescott
Paige blends folk, pop, and indie textures into a laid back yet spirited sound. Her style is described as easygoing, fun, and expressive. Singing has been a lifelong habit, and her friendship with Sydney often fuels her performance energy. The moment she earned the Golden Ticket remains a peak memory, signaling a journey with a clear goal and a chance to grow through every stage. A potential duet she envisions could pair her with One Direction or Ed Sheeran, with the choice of song leaning toward a bold collaboration that would showcase her range. For the finale, Paige imagines a performance that is big, vibrant, and memorable, a true celebration of her progress. She sees herself as The Next Star because she demonstrates how much growth is possible with the right support, and that belief helped carry her this far.
Jaden Myles
Jaden sings with a soulful, sometimes raspy tone that shines brightest in R&B, rooted in a family steeped in music. He has loved singing for as long as he can remember, and growing up around performers helped him discover his own strength and style. If he could duet with anyone, Bruno Mars would be his pick, performing the song Treasure with a personal twist that inspires others. A surprising bit from his past is that he auditioned for THE NEXT STAR in its first season when he was nine years old, a fact that underscores his long journey. On finale night he hopes his performance will crystallize the growth he has shown throughout the show, a testament to persistence and self-belief. The reason he is The Next Star is his combination of voice, stage presence, and confidence that elevates every performance and connects with the audience.
Alex Zaichkowski
Alex comes across as a quirky, good-natured jokester who loves writing music as much as he loves singing. He grew up in a music-filled home and has always sought ways to connect his writing with performance. If a duet were possible, he would likely team with The Fray on You Found Me or share a new original piece that suits his style. People might be surprised to learn that he can rap and that he has been crafting songs and stories since early childhood. The Next Star feels right to him because he is a humble Alberta farm boy who uses imagination and dedication to make his voice heard, and he believes music is a form of personal expression that deserves a wide audience.
Alicia
Alicia brings energy and a contagious smile, always ready to help others and share her passion for singing. Mentions of her voice describe it as special, soothing, and uniquely hers. When the Golden Ticket arrived, she felt a surreal moment, a dream she had imagined many times coming to life. Singing has been part of her life since she was five, and she treats every day as a chance to feed her energy through music. Her imagined finale features dramatic lights, a dramatic descent from the ceiling, dancers, and crowds shouting her name, a scene she would find thrilling. Alicia believes she is The Next Star because the depth of her love for singing fuels every performance and drives her toward her goals with unwavering commitment.
Dante Scott
Dante describes himself as a bold, fun personality with a love for cheese and a bright turquoise as his favorite color. He has a dog named Ally and a fish named Unicorn, pairing a playful personal life with a distinctive vocal style that sets him apart. He has long believed his voice is unlike any other and welcomes the chance to show Canada and the judges his talent. His earliest performances date back to childhood, including memorizing Shania Twain at age two and taking the stage for the first time at eight with The Climb. A dream duet would pair him with Lea Michele from GLEE, singing Girl On Fire to highlight his range. Dante envisions a finale filled with lights and fireworks, the most memorable moment of his journey to date. He sees himself as The Next Star because he remains true to himself while embracing growth and improvement, even joking about his cheese obsession along the way.
Kat Moscone
Music defines Kat, shaping who she is and how she presents herself as an artist. She recalls discovering her path as a toddler, playing with a plastic microphone and toy xylophone, and sensing that performance was her destiny. She wants to be a soul and R&B artist, infusing deep emotion into every note. Her dream duet would be with Jennifer Hudson, with Feeling Good serving as an inspiration from her favorite artist who delivers power and authority in every performance. To prep for each show, Kat often plays a motivating track in her head like Hot Right Now by Rita Ora to pump herself up. Her finale hope is to define her career and leave a lasting impression, treating the experience as a milestone that she will remember forever. Kat believes she is The Next Star because her story is told through her music, a narrative shaped by years of longing, practice, and perseverance that she refuses to abandon. The six are ultimately celebrated for their distinct voices and their readiness to share their journeys with Canada and the United States.
Viewers can catch the top six performing every Monday at 7 p.m. EST on YTV, as these six hopefuls compete for a chance to be named THE NEXT STAR of season six.