This one though comes with a really tall order. Rockstar: INXS was conceived by the members of the foremost Australian rock band of the ‘80s, INXS with Mark Burnett, the creator of Survivor and The Apprentice putting together the mechanics. The goal is to find a new vocalist for the band. They want to find a new rock star. And I must say not just any rock star. They want somebody who will replace the charismatic Michael Hutchence whom INXS lost to suicide in 1997. As such, the winner will do the vocals in an upcoming INXS album and then join the group in its next world tour.
INXS has been around for 25 years and has sold over 30 million records. Among its biggest hits were Original Sin, Need You Tonight, New Sensation, What You Need, The One Thing, Disappear, Don’t Change, Never Tear Us Apart, Suicide Blonde, Beautiful Girl, Devil Inside and Listen Like Thieves.
The group is made up of Tim Farriss on guitar; Kirk Pengilly on guitars, sax and back-up vocals; Jon Farriss on percussion and drums; Andrew Farriss on keyboards, guitars and back-up vocals and Gary Beers on bass who are considered some of the best rock musicians around. However, there is no one among them who can give Mick Jagger a big run for his money the way Hutchence did.
Now, it is my firm belief that anybody can be trained how to sing and win on American Idol. In the case of The Apprentice, the contestants can study and work hard and then be able to impress Donald Trump. But there is no school for rock stars. Rock music is in the soul and rock stars are born, not made. This is what makes this show very special. We ask, will INXS be able to find that new vocalist who will once again bring the band to new heights of glory? What we get every week though is the experience of watching true blue rockers strut their stuff and then evolve into stars.
The members of INXS sat through open auditions in six continents to find the 15 finalists. Remember, they must not only be rock performers, they also have to gel with the style of INXS. As of this writing nine are still in the running. Six have been sent packing since the show went on the air last July 12. Those still up for the prize are Deanna Johnston, Brandon Calhoun, Jessica Robinson, Suzie McNeil, Ty Taylor, Jordis Unga, Marty Casey, J.D. Fortune and Mig Ayesa and this last name is what makes Rockstar: INXS of particular interest to Filipinos.
Although billed in the show as the contestant from Sydney, Australia, Mig was actually born in the Philippines. His family moved to Sydney when he was two years old and that was where he grew up and started his career as an actor and musician. He took a break from playing Galileo in the Queen musical We Will Rock You in London to join Rockstar: INXS. You know how we are about Pinoys who make it big abroad. We go all out in support and bask in the reflected glory. Mig is one of the strongest entries in the contest. So expect a lot of rejoicing hereabouts if he makes the cut.
Rockstar: INXS goes on air live on Wednesdays at 9:30 to 11 a.m. with replays at 8:50 to 10 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays at 12:20 to 1:30 a.m. and at 3:20 to 4:30 a.m. Results are announced live at 9 a.m. on Thursdays with replays at 9 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. and 3:30 a.m., Fridays. The show is hosted by TV personality Brooke Burke and rock guitarist Dave Navarro of Jane’s Addiction and The Red Hot Chili Peppers, both of whom I must say, are doing an excellent job.