Citytv Gives Canadians One Last Chance to Seize the Canada's Got Talent Spotlight with Last Chance Auditions on YouTube, Launching Today

- Top 20 online acts to be voted on by Canadians; top vote-getter to advance straight to semifinals -

TORONTO, Jan. 4, 2012 /CNW/ - For all those talented Canadians looking for one final moment in the spotlight, now's your chance. Launching today on canadasgottalent.com and powered by YouTube, Citytv and Canada's Got Talent invites Canadians to show off their talents with Last Chance Auditions, sponsored by Nissan, by uploading a video of their act online at www.youtube.com/canadasgottalent.

Last Chance Auditions runs through January 15 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Videos must not exceed two minutes and all music selections must be chosen from the list of pre-cleared songs provided. Canada's Got Talent premieres March 4 on Citytv.

Images and show information available at www.rogersmediatv.ca
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"This is truly Canada's competition and through this partnership with Nissan Canada Inc., the doors have been re-opened to Canadians who otherwise might have missed their opportunity to audition," said Ed Robinson, Executive Producer, Rogers Broadcasting Ltd. "This extra audition phase will allow us to showcase an even larger range of the incredible talent that Canada has to offer while giving fans the opportunity to share in the Canada's Got Talent experience."

The Top 20 YouTube auditions will be posted on the website for fans to review, then it's up to Canada to choose who will be the lucky act fast-tracked to the Canada's Got Talent semifinals in April. From January 23 through January 30, the public can visit www.canadasgottalent.com and cast one vote per day per IP address. The act receiving the most votes will get the chance to make their dreams come true on a live broadcast, competing against other talented semifinalists to thrill the judges, win over the hearts of Canadians across the country, and be the first ever to claim the top spot and prize on Canada's Got Talent. Other YouTube acts will be considered for the semifinals by the Canada's Got Talent judges - Martin Short, Measha Brueggergosman and Stephan Moccio - and the show's producers.

"Canada's Got Talent is the ultimate forum to shine a spotlight on the great talent this country has to offer," said Judy Wheeler, Director, Nissan Marketing. "In the spirit of the show, the Last Chance Auditions offer up another occasion for Canadians to achieve their dreams and we at Nissan are proud to help make this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity possible."

To be eligible to enter Last Chance Auditions, participants must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada. For a complete list of rules and regulations, visit www.canadasgottalent.com. Plus, follow us on Twitter @CGTCitytv, using the hashtag #lastchanceCGT, and "like" us on Facebook for the latest updates, info and announcements.

Tim Hortons, Nissan Canada Inc. and Rogers Communications Inc. are founding partners of Canada's Got Talent, with multiplatform sponsorship integration and execution across television, online, mobile and on-site presence.

Citytv™ television stations in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg offer viewers intensely-local, urban-oriented, culturally-diverse television programming. A distinct alternative to other conventional television stations, Citytv engages its viewers with dynamic on-air personalities and delivers an entertaining mix of news, local-interactive formats such as: Breakfast Television and CityLine; as well as local Canadian and US acquired prime time entertainment programming. Citytv is a part of Rogers Broadcasting Limited, a division of Rogers Communications Inc. (TSX: RCI and NYSE: RCI) which is a diversified Canadian communications and media company. For more information on Citytv stations and programming, visit www.Citytv.com

Insight Production Company Ltd, headed by John Brunton & Barbara Bowlby has become an industry leader in the creative development, financing and production of highly rated television programs and cutting edge multiplatform content for the global market in every genre. Since 1979, it has been recognized for its reputation for outstanding quality as the recipient of numerous International awards, including multiple Gemini's. The company has created thousands of hours of groundbreaking television that continues to be broadcast over major networks worldwide. Recent hits include, Battle of the Blades, Top Chef Canada, Canadian Idol, The Juno Awards and Canada Sings. For more information visit www.insighttv.com

About FremantleMedia FremantleMedia is one of the leading creators and producers of entertainment brands in the world. FremantleMedia is part of the RTL Group, Europe's largest television and radio broadcast company, which is in turn 90 percent owned by Bertelsmann AG, one of the world's major media and entertainment companies. FremantleMedia's worldwide production arm is responsible for many of the world's highest rated prime time entertainment, drama, serial drama and factual entertainment programmes. FremantleMedia Enterprises is the brand extension arm of FremantleMedia, offering a one-stop-shop for all Licensing, Distribution and Home Entertainment around the world. For more information, visit www.fremantlemedia.com

About Syco Entertainment Syco Entertainment is a global joint venture between Simon Cowell and Sony Music Entertainment focused on the production and exploitation of music, television, film and digital content. Syco TV and Music includes the global television franchises 'The X Factor' and 'Got Talent' which currently air in over 60 countries. Syco Music roster includes superstar artists such as Leona Lewis, Susan Boyle and Il Divo. In 2009, 'Britain's Got Talent' launched the global music career of Susan Boyle, whose debut album is world's fastest selling album in history. Syco Entertainment is based in London and Los Angeles with a staff of 30+.

Cary Mignault, Unit Publicity Manager, Canada's Got Talent, Insight Productions,
[email protected], 416.435.9295

Stephanie Perron, Publicity Coordinator, Canada's Got Talent, Rogers Media Television,
[email protected], 647.278.6799