Auditions held for Canada's 'Next Star'

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, May 17 (UPI) -- An audition in Winnipeg, Canada, for the TV reality competition "The Next Star" has drawn hundreds of musicians, organizers say.

Series organizers said scores of aspiring young musicians showed up at the Winnipeg Convention Center Saturday with the goal of landing a contestant spot on the YTV series, The Winnipeg Free Press reported Sunday.

Auditions are being held in six Canadian cities with 16 people to be picked for the second season of the talent program.

"It's double what we had last year," series spokeswoman Samantha Taus said of the Winnipeg audition.

"Next Star" host Adamo Ruggiero told the Free Press crowds in smaller Canadian cities such as Winnipeg typically have more energy and enthusiasm.

"The best audiences are from the small cities," said Ruggiero, whose series is broadcast from Toronto.

No date was given for the start of the new season of "Next Star," which offers contestants a chance to win prizes such as a record contract.