A Truly Unique Talent: Cassiøpeia is the First Artist Chosen on Season 2 of CTV’s THE LAUNCH to Release a New, Original Song # # # “Better” Available Now Everywhere

 “[Cassiøpeia]’s never been in love, but I can feel the desire. She’s no teenager on that stage, that’s for sure. Before the song even starts she’s in it…that’s presence, that’s focus, that’s what you want out of an artist.” – THE LAUNCH mentor, Marie-Mai

“Cassiøpeia comes in here with nerves of steel, takes over the stage, and delivers the song.” – THE LAUNCH mentor, Scott Borchetta

TORONTO (January 30, 2019) – As seen on the Season 2 premiere of CTV’s THE LAUNCH, alt-pop artist Cassiøpeia from Burnaby, B.C. was chosen by world-renowned music executive and CEO/Founder of Big Machine Label Group Scott Borchetta, Québec pop icon Marie-Mai, and celebrity mentor/music producer OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder to record the new original single “Better.” The first single from the smash-hit music series was released to radio stations across the country immediately following tonight’s broadcast. The song is also available on music services everywhere. Encore presentations of THE LAUNCH air Saturdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV and Sundays at 11 a.m. ET on Much (visit CTV.ca and Much.com to confirm local listings). Sixteen-year old Cassiøpeia’s distinctive sound and emotional maturity made the mentors sit up and take notice during her audition. Her exceptional vocal style and stage presence showcased her sense of artistry and had the mentors impressed by her confidence at such a young age. Following an intense audition process with all five emerging artists – Cassiøpeia, Vi, NOA, Amber J, and Dey – the mentors chose Cassiøpeia and Vi as the two breakthrough artists to record and perform their own versions of the original song “Better” in front of a live studio audience. After a nerve-wracking 48 hours in studio rehearsals, recordings, and working closely with the show’s mentors, Cassiøpeia and Vi took to the stage. Both artists gave it their all, but following intense deliberations, Cassiøpeia was chosen for the opportunity of a lifetime – to have her interpretation of the song launched across Canada and to the world via THE LAUNCH’s expansive slate of top music partners. Cassiøpeia’s  poise, focus, and artistic performance took the mentors by surprise and ultimately landed her the song “Better” from recording/producing superstar Ryan Tedder, who produced the Season 1 certified platinum hit single “Ain’t Easy” by Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine, nominated this week for two JUNO awards “Better” is now my song and I’m incredibly honoured, blessed, and grateful,” said Cassiøpeia. “I can now walk into a store and hear my song on the radio, which has always been a dream since I was little. I’m excited to show the world who Cassiøpeia is.” Following tonight’s song launch, Bell Media is poised to throw the full weight of its marketing, promotional, and publicity support behind Cassiøpeia’s “Better” across its national footprint of broadcast and digital entertainment properties. “Better” is written and produced by Ryan Tedder, Casey Smith, Zach Skelton, and Ross Ryan. Label: Big Machine Canada. Executive Producers are Scott Borchetta and Randy Lennox. **MEDIA NOTE**

• Download images and bios of Cassiøpeia and THE LAUNCH at ca/PR.
• Interview opportunities are now available with Cassiøpeia.
• To read more about Cassiøpeia, click here.

THE LAUNCH airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV and VRAK. Episodes are available to stream on Crave immediately after broadcast, and are available on CTV.ca and the CTV app one day after broadcast. Viewers can also go behind-the-scenes of this week’s episode on CTV.ca for memorable moments, full artist performances, and exclusive interviews. Viewers can catch live interviews featuring Cassiøpeia tomorrow (Jan. 31) on CP24 BREAKFAST (weekdays 5:30 a.m. ET), YOUR MORNING (weekdays at 6 a.m. ET), THE MARILYN DENIS SHOW (weekdays at 10 a.m. ET), THE SOCIAL (weekdays at 1 p.m. ET), and ETALK (weekdays at 7 p.m. ET). As well, live interviews with Cassiøpeia will be featured on Bell Media Radio stations across the country. On the next episode of THE LAUNCH, “Hope” (Wednesday, Feb. 6 at 8 p.m. ET/PT PT on CTV), emerging artists Alexandra Porat, Avery Florence, T. Thomason, Trevor LaRose, and Phé audition in front of celebrity mentors: Grammy^® award-winner Sarah McLachlan, Alex Hope (Carly Rae Jepsen, Troye Sivan, Tove Lo), and Marie-Mai and Scott Borchetta, for the once in a lifetime opportunity to record a new original song that will be released next week. THE LAUNCH format was put into development in January 2016 and was co-developed by Randy Lennox and Bell Media in association with Scott Borchetta of Big Machine Label Group, and 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). THE LAUNCH is executive produced by Randy Lennox, Scott Borchetta, and John Brunton; Lindsay Cox and Paul Franklin are Executive Producers; 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.