‘Canadian Idol’ show canceled for 2009

TORONTO (AP) — Canada’s version of “American Idol” won’t be produced in 2009 because of the slowing economy.

“Canadian Idol” is being put on the shelf, CTV says.

The program finished its sixth season this fall and remained a Canadian TV ratings success.

It scored an average of 1.47 million viewers in September.

However, CTV decided to not produce the costly reality show in a year when advertising revenues are expected to drop sharply.

CTV said in a statement late Tuesday that it isn’t canceling the popular show altogether.

It noted that international versions of “Idol” took “rests” and returned for another season.