Thick-skinned pop idol wannabes take note. Canadian Idol -- CTV's blockbuster talent search -- is gearing up for round two.
In a statement issued Tuesday, CTV said it has signed a deal with FremantleMedia/19TV -- which has licenced the format to broadcasters around the world -- to bring the record-breaking show back to the airwaves in 2004, with last season's panel of judges intact.
Plans are now in the works for a nine-city audition tour, likely to take place early in the new year. The show will air next summer.
“Canadian Idol is one of those magical experiences that transcends a mere television show,” CTV programming president Susanne Boyce said in a statement.
“It captured the imagination of a country yearning to celebrate our rich musical tradition.”
Host Ben Mulroney is also scheduled to return for the second season of the show. Judges Farley Flex, Jake Gold, Sass Jordan and Zack Werner are also returning.
News of the decision comes as winners of various global Idol competitions ready to compete in a two-part World Idol competition in London.
The special begins airing on Dec. 25 from London and will see last season's Canadian Idol winner Ryan Malcolm compete with American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson and Britain's Pop Idol winner Will Young among others.
