TORONTO (November 7, 2017) – With production now wrapped on the inaugural season of THE LAUNCH, CTV today unveiled the first 10 artists selected to participate in the all-new, six-part musical series slated to premiere in mid-season. Today’s announcement represents the first 10 of 30 artists to be revealed over the next three days, introducing Canadians from across the country to THE LAUNCH’s astonishing array of aspiring artists.

Hand-picked from among more than 10,000 emerging performers, the artists were selected to be on THE LAUNCH following an international casting call and completion of an extensive A&R and review process. Vying for the chance of a lifetime – the opportunity to record and perform a new original song written by a world famous songwriter/producer and mentored by a panel of internationally renowned music industry legends – the selected artists face the life-changing prospect of being catapulted from discovery to stardom in just 48 hours.

Representing wildly diverse musical tastes, styles, and genres running the gamut from Blues to Broadway, Pop to Soul, R&B to Reggae, Hip Hop, Alternative, Rock, Folk, Jazz – and more, THE LAUNCH’s emerging artists illustrate a vast array of styles and hybrids of genres both vocally and instrumentally, indicative of the platinum standard of talent taking part in the series’ inaugural season.

“The driving force behind THE LAUNCH is disruption at every level – in reinventing the music television genre, in launching new artists, and in creating music’s next big songs,” said Scott Borchetta, President and CEO of Big Machine Label Group. “We can’t wait for audiences across the country to meet these artists and be blown away by their talent, just as our superstar mentors were week after week. We are proud to pioneer this new and unique television and music industry footprint.”

Supporting today’s announcement across @CTV_PR social platforms is a companion #MeetTheArtists video – a compilation introducing Canadians to today’s wave of 10 announced artists on THE LAUNCH, available on Instagram and Twitter. Click here to view the first of three companion videos.

**Media Note** – Download artwork and access full bios for THE LAUNCH artists at BellMediaPR.ca

More information about the first 10 announced artists featured in THE LAUNCH can be found below. Full bios and photos showcasing all of the artists are available on CTV.ca’s dedicated artist pages (available via links below).

	Amy Bishop Hometown: Calgary, Alta. Musical Genre: Original bluesy pop-rock With a voice that is a combination of smooth pavement and rough gravel, and the ability to charm listeners with her sweet tones, yet stun audiences with her ability to hit any high note, Amy’s spectacular performances to date include collaborations with Moby, April Wine, Farmer’s Daughter, and Chris Cummings. Dream Duet Partner: I would LOVE to perform with k.d. lang, I think our voices would blend so well together! Personal Motto: There’s always something to be thankful for. Full Bio: CTV.ca/Amy-Bishop
	Divine Lightbody Twitter: @DivineluvzzInstagram: @divineluvzzHometown: Brampton, Ont.Musical Genres: R&B, soul, hip-hop, pop, and reggae.The singer and multi-instrumentalist discovered her passion for music at a young age. The Brampton, Ont. teen was the lead in Broadway Bound’s “Grease” production in 2011. By The Numbers: Her YouTube™ channel received more than 14,000 hits only a few months after launching. Full Bio: CTV.ca/Divine-Lightbody
	Faiza Instagram: @blckgrlnxtdrTwitter: @blckgrlnxtdrHometown: Toronto, Ont.Musical Genres: R&B, hip-hopThe singer/songwriter released her first EP in 2014, garnering positive buzz from Toronto’s underground music scene for her seductive vocals and 90s-reminiscent vibe, and has been booking gigs ever since. Dream Performance Space: Madison Square Garden Full Bio: CTV.ca/Faiza
	James Marshall Instagram: @marshallxjames Hometown: Acton, Ont. Musical Genres: Pop, blues, rock The singer/songwriter expresses his adventurous soul through his unique blend of pop, blues, and rock-infused music, learning over the years that no matter the scale of venue in which he is playing, music is something he will always love and cherish. Dream Musical Duo: Jimi Hendrix Full Bio: CTV.ca/James-Marshall
	LITEYEARS Twitter: @LITEYEARSmusicInstagram: @LITEYEARSmusicHometown: TorontoMusical Genres: Pop/alternative/rockMeet The Band: The high-energy, alt-pop group is comprised of brothers Brent and Brian Wirth, Nick Haberer, and Joey Muha. The Band’s Sound: Meshes programmed electronic loops, ethereal keyboards, and melodic guitar counterpoint with organic instrumentation bringing a refreshing, high-energy vibe to the alternative-pop genre. Debut EP: American Towns released in 2016, featuring debut single “Rhythm In The Stars”. Can’t Live Without: My piano and pizza (Brent); Coffee! (Brian) Dream Musical Venue: Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado (Nick) Hobbies: Being a full-time bunny parent! (Joey) Full Bio: CTV.ca/LITEYEARS
	Logan Staats Twitter: @LoganStaats Instagram: @Logan_Staats Hometown: Ohsweken, Six Nations Of The Grand River, Ont. Musical Genres:  Folk/blues/soul Raised in the town of Brantford, Ont., Logan Staats started writing and performing music in his early teens. His haunting and distinct voice has provided opportunities to share the stage with acts such as Buffy Sainte-Marie, Keith Secola, and Mumford and Sons, to name just a few. Armed with his guitar and harmonica, the folk/blues/soul artist is determined to raise the bar for Indigenous/ mainstream crossover music. What inspires you musically? Culture, love, loss, desperation, and healing Full Bio: CTV.ca/Logan-Staats
	Nicky MacKenzie Twitter: @mackenzienicky1Instagram: @nicky_mackenzieHometown: Salt Spring Island, B.C.Musical genres: R&B, jazz, alternative, popSinging before she could even talk, Nicky plays several instruments including piano, guitar, and harp. She never hesitates to take every opportunity she can to perform, with her jazzy vocals flowing beautifully over the alternative/R&B music she strives to write and perform. Can’t Live Without: Coffee! Full Bio: CTV.ca/Nicky-Mackenzie
	The Revel Boys Instagram: @therevelboys Hometown: Toronto Musical Genres: Pop Started by brothers Tyson and Myles Erlick in 2015, The Revel Boys began as a collective of friends making beats and YouTube cover videos and has been building steam ever since. The Revel Boys current lineup also includes GTA rapper/songwriter Akiel Julien, singer/beat maker Noah Zulfikar, and singer/keyboardist Josh Lamb. ? Collaborations To Date: Jocelyn Alice, Kojak, Walk Off the Earth, Commissioner Gordon and White Tiger Society, and Lionshead. Full Bio: CTV.ca/The-Revel-Boys
	Vivian Hicks Twitter: @vivianhicks Instagram: @vivianhicksofficial Hometown: Georgetown, Ont. Musical Genres:  Pop, Broadway, jazz Singer, songwriter, dancer, actress, and model Vivian Hicks is truly a quintuple threat. Taking up singing and dancing at a very early age, Vivian has won numerous awards in her disciplines, including more than 11 U.S. scholarships. Musical.ly Inclined: Vivian has made a name for herself on social media with several of her raw videos going viral on Instagram and Facebook. She has more than 1 million fans on Musical.ly, receiving re-posts and accolades from her idols including Fifth Harmony, Bruno Mars, Meghan Trainor, The Chainsmokers, and more. Full Bio: CTV.ca/Vivian-Hicks
	Zack Lane Instagram: @zack_lane1Hometown: Moncton, N.B.Musical Genres: Pop, pop-rock, folk-popMultiple award-winning Canadian songwriter, performer, and recording artist Zack Lane has shared the stage with artists including Jann Arden, Jeff Cook, and the iconic group Alabama, and he has garnered numerous grand prize wins at coveted vocal competitions, enthralling audiences across North America.Can’t Live Without: Pizza! Musical Inspiration: My family heritage, rooted in the musical and culturally-rich region of Newfoundland. Full Bio: CTV.ca/Zack-Lane

A staggering roster of musical A-listers join THE LAUNCH co-creator and world-renowned music mogul Scott Borchetta in the series’ inaugural season to amplify the experience for the 30 selected artists with invaluable industry guidance and mentorship. Superstar mentors include Shania Twain, Fergie, Boy George, Alessia Cara, Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe, Julia Michaels, and Jennifer Nettles.

In addition, award-winning producers/songwriters cast alongside Borchetta in the breakout season of THE LAUNCH include OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder, busbee (P!nk, Shakira, Blake Shelton), Dann Huff (producer behind more than 50 #1 hit records), Ian Kirkpatrick (behind multi-platinum hit songs from Jason Derulo and Selena Gomez), and Canada’s own Stephan Moccio, the music mastermind behind massive, inescapable hits like the quintuple-platinum “Wrecking Ball”.

THE LAUNCH was put into development in January 2016. The series was co-developed by and is executive produced by Randy Lennox and Bell Media in association with Scott Borchetta of Big Machine Label Group, Paul Franklin of Eureka (MASTERCHEF, THE BIGGEST LOSER), in partnership with John Brunton and Lindsay Cox of Insight Productions (THE AMAZING RACE CANADA, CANADIAN IDOL, THE JUNO AWARDS). Executive Producers for Bell Media are Robin Johnston and Corrie Coe, who is also Senior Vice-President, Original Programming, Bell Media. Pat DiVittorio is Vice-President, CTV and Specialty Programming, Mike Cosentino is President, Content and Programming, Bell Media. Randy Lennox is President, Bell Media.