Canadian Idol backstage spin-off premieres July 20 online

Web-savvy Canadian Idol fans will soon have a lot more access to their favourite hopeful pop stars, thanks to a new behind-the-scenes show that will air on CTV’s Broadband Network.

Premiering July 20, “Canadian Idol: All Access” will star roving reporter Dave Kerr and take viewers backstage and up-close-and-personal with the people – on camera and behind it – that make the Canadian Idol the best-rated show in the country.

One of the only Idol broadband programs in the world (and a first for North America), Canadian Idol: All Access will bring viewers a third night of Idol programming every week for the nine weeks until the country has chosen it’s Idol. Beginning July 26, All Access will become available online Fridays at 12 p.m. ET.

In each episode, Kerr will give viewers unprecedented access to what happens beyond the television screen. All Access will focus on content Canadian Idol doesn’t provide, with cameras recording the action before, during and after each performance and results show.

The new show’s producers promise it will not only cover the excitement and energy of Canadian Idol, but to contribute to it as well.

“Canadian Idol’s on-demand recaps… are some of The CTV Broadband Network’s most-accessed content,” said Kris Faibish, CTV’s Vice President of Digital Media.

“All Access is a great natural extension to ‘Idol in 15.’ Not only does it invite our audience to peek behind-the-scenes on one of Canada’s top TV shows, but it really lets fans connect with the competitors and their intense, roller-coaster journey through the Top 10.”

Each week, All Access will feature the post-show journey that each competitor takes immediately after they are eliminated, a panel of pundits deliberating the week’s water cooler moments and a hint at what the remaining competitors are working on for the following performance show.

One feature segment will round out the show each week. These will include home videos by the Canadian Idol crew, showing their perspective of the Idol experience; catching up with former competitors in “Life After Idol” and the infamous Canadian Idol Warm-up Show starring senior producer Sue Brophey. Among the many segments in the series: What You Didn’t See A trip through the week that was, with appearances from the Canadian Idol competitors, including:

• Behind-the-scenes footage of competitor song and wardrobe selections
• Extended scenes with celebrity guests
• A look behind the scenes at the Idol Mansion
• Never-before-seen dress rehearsals and show preparation
• Immediate reaction from competitors and families about performances, backstage as the show is happening
• Following weekly eliminations, remaining competitors react to the night’s results

The Departed

A diary of the weekly eliminated competitor, giving them a chance for personal reflection on their Idol experience as it comes to a close. All Access will feature what happens “after the vote” as friends and family rally in support and the Idol prepares to leave Canadian Idol spotlight.

The Jury

A fun discussion of the top “water cooler” moments from each week’s performance and results show with special celebrity guests. Designed to be light-hearted and often tongue-in-cheek, this segment celebrates the resiliency of competitors.