Call it Canadian Idol for the under-15 set. Toronto, Canada-based kidsnet YTV and Tricon Films & Television are hitting the Trans-Canada highway this summer in search of talented singers to appear on upcoming YTV original series The Next Star, slated to hit the airwaves on July 18.

The Next Star will be open to competitors 15 years and younger looking to compete for the grand prize of a recording contract.

The net has also launched companion website, The Next Star at YTV.com. Contestants and fans can visit the official website for more information on the audition process, rules and regulations.

Once the series has launched in July, the site will feature streaming video and let kid viewers in on the voting process. They’ll be encouraged to visit their favorite contestant’s microsite, where they will find blogs, songs, video clips and voting info.

The talent search starts May 17 in Halifax and wraps up on June 6 in Calgary.