Ethan Young’s voice probably hasn’t yet changed… but his life certainly has.
“Canada has a new pop star tonight,” declared music mogul Scott Borchetta at the end of Wednesday’s episode of The Launch.
Young, a 13-year old from Toronto, was chosen by Borchetta, Culture Club superstar Boy George and songwriter-producer Stephan Moccio to release the single “Giants.”
The song is now available to buy and stream everywhere you get music, including at iHeartRadio.
“I’m so excited. This has been my dream since I was little,” Young said.
“I cant wait to see what people think of the song.”
Young was picked immediately after his audition, which included a performance of Andra Day’s “Rise Up," to record the track.
Moccio, who described his voice as sweet and pure, said Young reminded him of a young Justin Bieber. George called the teen's voice “beautiful.”
Young, who said he has been singing professionally since he was 9 years old, attended the Karen Kain School of the Arts and was part of the Mini Pop Kids group. Before the episode aired, he had 36 followers on Twitter – but that number is sure to grow quickly.
Also chosen to record “Giants” was 18-year-old Grace Bakker, whose cover of Amy Winehouse’s “Back to Black” impressed the mentors. “You’re in your own lane,” said Moccio.
Also featured in the episode was 23-year-old Elequen Megan General, who performs as Elequen and auditioned with “I’d Rather Go Blind” by Etta James. Although the mentors liked her passion and emotion, George said it felt like she was “a bit lost in the performance.”
Raymond Salgado and Victoria Azevedo also auditioned for the mentors.
Young is the sixth and final artist to benefit from The Launch. He follows Jayd Ink (“Codes”), POESY ("Soldier Of Love"), Logan Staats (“The Lucky Ones’), Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine (“Ain’t Easy”) and The Static Shift (“Wide Awake”).
The Launch: Director's Cut is available on CTV.ca, CTV GO, and CraveTV.