Canada’s Got Talent Showcases Inspiring Homegrown Acts 

It’s back! That’s right—Canada’s Got Talent, a Canadian version of the beloved Got Talent franchise, airs on Tuesdays at 8 PM ET on CityTV starting with the season premiere on March 22 until the finale on May 17, 2022 when a winner will be awarded the $150,000 grand prize.

One season of the talent show aired a decade ago—featuring host Dina Pugliese and celebrity judges Martin Short, Measha Brueggergosman and Stephan Moccio—but was discontinued.

In its absence, and given Canada’s proximity to the US and the airing of American reality shows on Canadian networks, it’s become commonplace for Canadian contestants to audition for the US talent competition shows and for Canadian audiences to tune in to them. Simon Cowell’s Got Talent franchise runs in more than 180 countries including Britain’s Got Talent and America’s Got Talent. Canada is undeniably a hotbed for talent—many talented Canadians can be found right here on The Bash—so it makes sense that Canada’s Got Talent returns in 2022 to showcase homegrown acts including musicians, dancers, comedians, and more to the delight of Canadian audiences.

Canada’s Got Talent's 2022 casting call was held virtually, allowing for acts from every nook and cranny of the nation to apply.  We’re pleased to see that this year’s lineup of contestants to hit the CGT stage is representative of Canada’s cultural diversity, too. Canada’s Got Talent televised live shows take place at the Avalon Theatre at Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls.

Canada’s Got Talent Judges

The 2022 revival of the TV show features a star-studded lineup of Canadian judges including comedian and longtime America’s Got Talent judge Howie Mandel, former late-night TV host Lilly Singh, wrestling star Trish Stratus, and rapper and producer, Kardinal Offishall. The host is country singer Lindsay Ell. The banter of the Canada’s Got Talent judges is lively and fun—all talented and charismatic characters, they keep the show interesting, suspenseful and engaging to watch.

Golden Buzzer Winners

Shea Liu - Singer

The highlight of Canada’s Got Talent opening night was a sweet musical performance by 14-year-old Shea Liu from Vancouver. She sang "Like My Father" by Jax earning her the golden buzzer from Howie Mandel to see her through to the semi-finals.

GRVMNT - Dancers

On week two, a large and energetic hip-hop dance troupe from Vancouver won the heart of Lilly Singh. Their tightly choreographed moves and palpable enthusiasm make them a contender to win the big prize.

Week Two Auditions Recap

Karelia Letsos, Singer

Cuban born and now living in London, Ontario, Karelia is a cashier but dreams of becoming a professional singer. Her strong vocal performance of “One Night Only” won praise from music producer, Kardinal Offishall.

Herbert Henries, Comedian and Dangerist

New on the entertainment scene, Winnipeg native, Herbert Henries’ unusual brand of comedy surprised viewers and judges alike. He asked host Lindsay Ell to throw knives at him, albeit small plastic ones, for the "dangerist" part of his act as he delivered his comedy bit.

Itty Bitty Crew, Dancers

The evening’s inspiring performance came from a trio of teens from Edmonton tackling mental health and anxiety through expressive and artistic dance. They garnered high praise from Howie Mandel, who advocates for mental health every day.

Savio Joseph, Magician

Born and raised in Brampton, Savio just graduated with a Computer Science degree, but he believes in magic. He produced a clever trick that told the story of his career journey that impressed all the judges.

Trillium Entertainment, Aerialists

The week wouldn't be complete without an aerial circus act! The Toronto trio showed viewers a graceful, yet heart-dropping performance that exhilarated the judges making Howie, Trish and Lilly join them on stage for a quick spin of their own.

Week One Auditions Recap

Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers

The 2022 CGT season opened with a dance by a Metis sibling trio that goes by the name Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers in honor of their grandfather that taught them the Metis Red River Jig. Their fast footwork transitioned from dancing to traditional music to a modern hip-hop track to the surprise of viewers.

Shadow Entertainment, Dancers

A colorful large-scale Bollywood act was voted through to the next round. Shadow Entertainment, a South Asian dance troupe from Mississauga, got the big nod from Lilly Singh.

Lions Gate Chorus

Later in the show, a dazzling choreographed performance by the Lions Gate Chorus, featuring 64 women from the Greater Vancouver area, surprised the audience with their inspired a capella rendition of Queen’s "Don't Stop Me Now". Howie Mandel made a quick-witted offer to hire the ladies to perform at a bachelor party he’s planning.

Courtney Gilmour, Comedian

Also noteworthy, Toronto stand-up comedian and amputee, Courtney Gilmour, delivered a funny and brave performance landing her into the next round. 

Sebastien Savard, Violinist

In true Got Talent tradition, the show featured heartwarming stories. Sebastien Savard of Alma, Quebec was a full-time performer but became a patient attendant helping seniors at a long-term care home during the pandemic—using his magnetic personality and warmth to comfort patients suffering alone. To everyone’s surprise, not only is he a terrific musician, he also can balance a stepladder on his chin while he plays the violin. 

Videos: @CanGotTalent on YouTube

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