Canadian Idol is a Canadian reality television competition show airing on CTV. The show is based on the popular Fox show American Idol, which in turn is based on the British show Pop Idol. The show is a competition to find the most talented young singer in Canada. It is hosted by Ben Mulroney. Jon Dore was the "roving reporter" for the first three seasons (appearing in comedy skits throughout the show). Elena Juatco assumed the role for season four, Dave Kerr had the role in season five and Jully Black in season six.

The show begins with a cross-Canada tour in which singers audition in front of four judges: Jake Gold, Sass Jordan of Montreal, Quebec, Zack Werner of Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Farley Flex of Ajax, Ontario. Eventually the performers are narrowed down to 10 finalists (11 in season one due to a near-tie), with each competitor performing live. Viewers have two hours following the broadcast of the show to phone in their votes for their favourite competitor. On the following night's episode (live again), the competitor with the fewest votes is sent home. After the final two perform, viewers have more than two hours to vote. The next day (five days later in season 4; two days later in season 6), the competitor with the most votes is declared the winner. The show is taped at the John Bassett Theatre in Toronto, Ontario.