"Know the Difference"

The premier episode of "Rock Star: INXS" ran on TV last night. Produced by reality TV maverick, Mark Burnett, the series showcases a number of vocal hopefuls vying for the position as INXS' lead singer. I know, sounds crazy!

I mean, can anyone really replace Michael Hutchence? INXS is one of my favourite bands (I own ALL their albums on cassette!) and Hutchence was the man. Okay, so rock bands can replace lead singers (Van Halen, ACDC) and continue forwards. But INXS has been nowhere on the radar since Micheal's death in 1997. And now the group (Beers, Pigelly and the Farisse boys) is planning a comeback tour fronted by someone chosen on a reality series!

But I watched it and it was good! Burnett continues to prove that he knows what makes these programs work with slick production and packed episodes a la "The Apprentice". It is hosted by Brooke Burke and Dave Navarro = hello! could there be a hotter host duo for a rock show? And the performance segments are short and electric - like rock'n'roll should be. I'm not thrilled with the "vote your favourite" component - but in a post-American Idol world, I guess it has to be accepted. Everyone lives in a schmancy mansion and the seeds of comraderie vs. competition are already blooming. I think it's gonna be a fun ride.

Fifteen contestants were selected. The group includes alot of shaggy-haired women with large noses and overly-skinny men with bad teeth. A quick introduction:
Dana = gone already - thank goodness (nice sparkles!)
Neal = a Mick Jagger clone right down to the slim shimmy
Deanne = Janis Joplin revisited
Brandon = the big guy on stage
Jessica = upholding the standard of famous Jessicas by showcasing her abs
Wil = bland hottie
Suzie = the disaster waiting to happen (CDN)
Tara = tough, maybe too much (CDN)
Ty = bringing some colour to the table
Jordis = powerhouse
Marty = recroom star
Mig = ah, no
J.D. = creeeepy (CDN)
Heather = star power
Daphna = dark diamond willing to shine

According to the INXS website, the band decided that the best way to honour Hutchence's memory was to ensure that his songs were performed. Knowing that one of the above will someday be singing "Never Tear Us Apart", "Suicide Blonde", "Elegantly Wasted", etc. is almost disturbing. But if it has to be, then I'm putting Ty at the top of my list. I'd buy a ticket for that tour. Brandon, Heather or Jordis are also potentials for me. The rest are just good TV.