Spring’s Hottest Reality Show Takes Off As MuchMusic Announces the Top 20 Finalists in the FRUCTIS FRUIT SENSATION PRESENTS: MUC

TORONTO (April 1, 2013) – Chosen with the help of devoted fans across Canada, the FRUCTIS FRUIT SENSATION PRESENTS: MUCH VJ SEARCH has dwindled down its premium VJ candidates to the official Top 20! Starting tonight on Much, fans can watch the drama unfold as the Top 20 take part in fierce competitions and exhilarating challenges when the MUCH VJ SEARCH, hosted by Lauren Toyota, takes over the 6 p.m. ET timeslot, followed by the MUCH VJ SEARCH POST SHOW at 6:30 p.m. ET. For the Top 20 profiles, updates, and exclusive on-line content including video road diaries, daily pit-stop photos, and more, visit muchmusic.com/vjsearch.

Each of the talented Top 20 contestants have earned a coveted spot aboard the first ever FRUCTIS FRUIT SENSATION PRESENTS: MUCH VJ SEARCH tour bus, where they’ll compete to prove they have what it takes to be the next Much VJ. Making their way through seven cities across Canada, the VJ hopefuls face a series of elimination challenges including MMVA party-planning, morning show hosting, and celebrity interviews.

Adding a fresh new twist to this wild competition, Much VJs Damian Abraham, Phoebe Dykstra, Tyrone “T-RexXx” Edwards, Liz Trinnear, and Scott Willats each become a mentor to the VJ hopefuls, when the Top 10 are revealed in a nail-biting episode, Thursday, April 11 at 6 p.m. ET. The VJs each pick two competitors on April 12, who they will mentor by offering support, imparting wisdom, and encouraging viewers to vote for their faves, and ultimately, the winner of the MUCH VJ SEARCH on April 26.

Viewers can catch encore viewings of the MUCH VJ SEARCH daily at noon, Monday-Thursday at 11:30 p.m. ET, and back-to-back episodes Saturdays and Sundays, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

Introducing, the FRUCTIS FRUIT SENSATION PRESENTS: MUCH VJ SEARCH Top 20:

1. Brian Arcand – Regina, SK
2. Sabrina ‘Boe Vyntage’ Brown – Scarborough, ON
3. Drama Diabolos – Peterborough, ON
4. Brandon Elbaz – Montreal, QC
5. Nash Elliott – St. Catharines, ON
6. Tyson Geick – Newmarket, ON
7. Alexandria MacFarlane – Coquitlam, BC
8. Desiree Mark – Vancouver, BC
9. Myron Mayne – Scarborough, ON

10. Junior Mbeng – Ottawa, ON

11. Kevy Oh – Toronto, ON

12. Madison Pinder – Calgary, AB

13. Ryan Pownall – Ottawa, ON

14. Jasmin Shim – Toronto, ON

15. Kelsey Spencer – Saskatoon, SK

16. Joshua Tubbs – Mississauga, ON

17. Lauren West – Windsor, ON

18. Kyle Whitehead – Red Deer, AB

19. Chloe Wilde – Montreal, QC

20. Justine Williamson – Glace Bay, NS

The Top 20 were chosen based on application videos that really stood out and best showcased the competitor’s talents, charm, and passion for all things entertainment. Largely influencing this decision are fans who continue to support their favourite VJ contestants by commenting, rating, and sharing their favourite VJ Search submissions at muchmusic.com/vjsearch. For all the “juicy” gossip from the tour, Garnier Canada’s got fans covered via facebook.com/GarnierCanada and @GarnierCAN on Twitter!

The FRUCTIS FRUIT SENSATION PRESENTS: MUCH VJ SEARCH gives outgoing, entertaining, and hilarious Canadians a once-in-a-lifetime shot at becoming a Much VJ. No experience is required, but every contestant must be a music-lover, a pop-culture whiz, and have a knack for conversation and entertainment. The winner gets the coolest job in Canada, which includes meeting die-hard fans, interviewing A-List bands and artists, travelling across Canada, and working out of the renowned Much HQ at 299 Queen St. West in Toronto.

The MUCH VJ SEARCH has cemented itself as an iconic part of the Canadian media landscape. Each time around, the MUCH VJ SEARCH grows and changes its tune slightly, making the VJ hopefuls compete in a series of challenges to earn their spot as Much’s newest face. Back in 2006, the VJ Search was broadcast as a 10-episode reality competition, where hopefuls were eliminated by a panel of celebrity judges based on how well they performed at various TV hosting challenges. In 2009, the VJ Search went digital with VJ SEARCH 2.0, incorporating fan voting online and a competition streamed across muchmusic.com.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Follow MuchMusic on Twitter: @MuchMusic

Follow Garnier on Twitter: @GarnierCan

Follow Lauren Toyota on Twitter: @laurentoyota

Official FRUCTIS FRUIT SENSATION PRESENTS: MUCH VJ SEARCH Hashtag: #MuchVJSearch

About Garnier

Garnier believes in beauty through nature, creating products that ‘Take Care’ of consumer needs. Scientifically developed with selected natural ingredients, Garnier products help men and women look healthy and feel better every day. Established in Paris at the turn of the 20th century, Garnier is the #1 beauty brand in France and a trusted leader throughout Europe, Asia, US, Mexico and Canada. The Garnier family of Canadian products consists of Garnier Fructis, Garnier Fructis Style, Garnier Nutrisse, Garnier Nutrisse Intense, Garnier Belle Color, Garnier HerbaShine, Garnier Olia, Garnier Skincare and Garnier Body. For more information, visit www.garnier.ca

About MuchMusic

As the No. 1 Canadian brand for young adults, MuchMusic is the go-to channel for all things pop-culture, delivering excitement through exclusive live events, interviews with leading musicians and celebrities, and the biggest scripted series. From the MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS to its industry-leading online and social media outreach, including MuchMusic.com, on Twitter @MuchMusic and Facebook – with more than 1.25 million likes and counting, MuchMusic continues to deliver on its promise of bringing fans that Much closer to their idols. Much spotlights homegrown talent through original productions including DEGRASSI, NEW.MUSIC.LIVE., and VIDEO ON TRIAL and supports the Canadian music video production industry with its annual, multi-million dollar contribution to MuchFACT. Much is available in 9.2 million households across Canada via cable, satellite, and mobile. Much is a division of Bell Media, which is owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada’s largest communications company.

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For more information:

Tiffany Astle, Much VJ Search Unit Publicist, 416.554.7329, tiffany.astle@bellmedia.ca