Across Canada, more than 4,000 hopeful kids auditioned for YTV’s talent reality series The Next Star. Now in its fourth season, the show stands as one of the network’s most popular programs, with viewers selecting the winner from a top 16 finalists.
Returning as judges are musician Suzie McNeil, songwriter Christopher Ward, and music marketing executive Steve Cranwell, while Adamo Ruggiero, the former Degrassi star, returns as host. This article reflects insights from a conversation with Adamo about Season 4.
Asked about the upcoming season, Adamo said he is genuinely excited. He noted that each year the producers push bigger ideas and the young performers keep improving, so he is curious about what the fourth season will bring, expecting something awesome.
Season four will mix up the geography, bringing Winnipeg, Calgary, and Halifax into the lineup while Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver remain part of the journey. The format stays true to its core — a top 6, mentorship in Toronto, and a finale — with new celebrity guests on the way. Last year introduced music videos and a Christmas special, and the producers already have a trunk full of ideas for Season 4 plus some surprises.
Adamo sees the judging focus as largely the same as always: looking for someone who naturally draws attention, carries a strong singing voice, and has a magnetic persona and charisma. The level of artistry from contestants has risen over the past three years, and the familiarity with the show gives performers more confidence and a sense of a TV-family surrounding them, which heightens the excitement for what the fourth season will reveal. He notes that the judges, Suzie, Chris, and Steve, often remark on how impressive the emerging talent is, and they’re eager to see what this season brings.
For participants hoping to stand out, Adamo warns against imposing rules on themselves. He advises carrying your own spotlight into the room and trusting that moment when you feel uncertain — that sign means you can. He suggests treating the audition like a personal home performance, a party with your favorite song, and letting natural energy guide the moment while staying prepared.
When asked about memorable contestants, Adamo recalls countless moments from across the country. One early memory stands out from Montreal: two young sisters, aged six and four, harmonizing an Italian opera with astonishing poise. He emphasizes that his own background isn’t rooted in formal music, but he learns from these kids, and their confidence at such a young age continues to astonish him.
Off screen, Adamo is finishing his university degree, pursuing an honors double major in communications studies and film theory. After seven years of balancing studies with acting and hosting, he is set to graduate in the spring, a milestone he considers important for his broader ambitions.
Season 4 expands the show to new cities and directs audiences to ytv/nextstar for all information. Last season drew more than three million online votes, and Diego’s win propelled the show to a trending topic on Twitter that night. Season 4 is expected to be even bigger, with a call to aspiring performers to find their spotlight, bring it with them, and show what they can do.
The premiere of YTV’s The Next Star airs at 7 p.m. tonight, and viewers are reminded not to miss a moment as the season unfolds towards a finale on a later Sunday. Adamo thanks the audience for their support and invites every young singer to bring their true self to the stage and chase their own star.