Teenaged singer and songwriter Lexie Tytlandsvik could be on her way to becoming Canada's next star. The 14-year-old has been chosen as one of 16 finalists for YTV's hit talent series "The Next Star" and could have the opportunity to star in her very own music video.
Now in its fourth year, "The Next Star" competition had over 4,000 youth aged 15 and under competing to be in the top 16. Auditions were held across the country this spring.
Lexie auditioned in Calgary, having missed the closer Winnipeg audition because of a prior commitment.
"I had a gig on the same day as the Winnipeg audition," said Lexie. "It was a fundraiser in Estevan."
Lexie is no stranger to performing; the Radville teen has been doing it since she was seven years old. She took up the guitar three years ago and now writes and performs her own songs, in fact, she performed a song she wrote herself for the audition.
"I was the only one to perform an original song in the audition process," said Lexie.
Lexie's original song, "That One," was recorded this year and will be released on American air waves in the upcoming weeks.
"The promotion company, HMV National, only promotes in the U.S. You have to do your own thing in Canada," said Lexie.
She said that she plans to pitch her song to local radio stations on her own.
As for "The Next Star," Lexie is "super excited" at the prospect of making the next round of competition. Contestants that make the top six will get the chance to showcase their music single on "The Next Star" compilation album.
The grand prize winner will receive the "Ultimate Jam Space," which includes an Apple MacBook, Pro Tools recording software and everything else a musician needs to make a hit record in their own home. They will also get a Gibson Songwriter Deluxe Acoustic Guitar. As for the ultimate prize, a major music label will distribute and release the winner's two songs in spring 2012.
The winner will be announced during the season finale on September 25.
Episode one of season four's "The Next Star" was aired on July 18, announcing the top 16 finalists, including Lexie and footage from her audition.
Adamo Ruggiero of television's "Degrassi: The Next Generation" returned as host of "The Next Star" while musician Suzie McNeil, songwriter Christopher Ward, and music marketing executive Steve Cranwell returned to mentor, guide, and judge this year's aspiring singers. As in years past, special guests will participate throughout the season. Previous guests have included Justin Bieber, Fefe Dobson, Shawn Desman, and Josh Ramsay of Marianas Trench.
Viewers will vote for "The Next Star" via YTV.com and text message.
Lexie has nothing but praise for her competitors. "All the performers in the competition are amazing!"
She said that the top 16 contestants all practice very different genres. As for herself, Lexie concentrates on country-pop, like her idol Taylor Swift.
And like her idol, she recently performed at the legendary Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, a fact that seemed to impress at least one of "The Next Star" judges.
Lexie said she has had an "awesome year." She recently won the Junior Star Search competition in Yorkton, the Big Country Talent Revue, and Estevan Idol.
Despite having the excitement of "The Next Star" competition on her mind, Lexie will not be forgetting her prairie roots. She will be performing at the Lomond R.M. 100-year anniversary this weekend, as well as the "Flood of Relief" benefit concert in Regina.
She will also be competing at the Saskatchewan Youth Talent Search from August 9 to 13.
For those that want to see even more of Lexie, they can catch her on YTV's "The Next Star" on Monday evenings and vote for her via text or online.
Lexie is the daughter of Allan and Allison Tytlandsvik.
