Stroumboulopoulos to host music search show The One
CBC-TV talk-show host George Stroumboulopouloswill host ABC talent search competition The One: Making a Music Star to be aired on CBC this summer.
Work has already begun in Los Angeles on the show, to be aired on American network ABCwith simulcast onCBC, Stroumboulopoulos said Monday.
The One, like the hit Star Academy in Quebec, features young musicians living and training together as they compete for a chance at a recording contract.
Stroumboulopoulos, a former MuchMusic VJ who is host of CBC's The Hour, will be introducing contestants and judges and hosting the live concerts that are part of The One franchise.
"There's a reality segment and a performance segment," he said.
The 11 contestants will perform live each week, with audiences voting to keep their favourite singer in contention.
"In a way it's not unlike MuchMusic. ... They needed a host with a specific skill set and in Canada we are producing people who have those skills."
The people behind the show are a who's who of U.S. reality TV, he said. The One is already a hit in 23 countries, but this is its North American debut.
ABC begins airing the showJuly 18, with simulcast on CBC. The eight-week series runs two nights a week.
Stroumboulopouloshas earned a reputation for his direct approach and cool demeanour as host of The Hour, a talk show about current events on CBC Newsworld.
The Hour will be aired as a late-night show on the main CBC network beginning inthe fall.
Stroumboulopoulossaid he was on vacationwhen he got the offer to host the talent searchshow, less than a week ago.
"I was riding my motorbike outside Chicago and I felt the vibration of the call in my leather jacket, but I didn't answer it," he said.
When he picked up the message, Stroumboulopoulos saidhe rode back to Chicago and got on the plane to Los Angeles.
CBC plans a Canadian version of The One, beginning next fall. No host has been chosen for that show.
CBC is airing the U.S. version of the talent search series to build a following for the Canadian version, network executives said.
The One has been controversial for CBC because airing of The National will be delayed inOntario and Quebec to make way for the show.