I admit I watch the American and Canadian Idol shows because I really enjoy discovering new talent. What I find refreshing with the INXS experience is that we're talking pure ROCK, FOR A CHANGE! Fifteen hopefuls performed for the INXS band last night and one was eliminated (inferior vocals). There's alot of incredible talent in this group. Some sing better than others; some have the 'it' factor, some don't.

Anyone else watch it?

I did hear that Hutchence's death was rather suspcious and some believe he was murdered. Anyone else hear that?

However, It is an interesting idea. Replace your dead lead singer with one of 15 hopefuls. Resurrect your band's career so that if the singer doesn't work out you can fire him/her and get somebody else.

I caught the end of the show and it looked interesting. It certainly is a strange way to replace a lead singer but hey, it's a reality-show world nowadays.

Phyllis- I believe INXS *did* break up, as they did not want the group to continue on without Michael. Oh and btw... Hutchence did hang himself. Rumors mentioned auto-erotic activity but he was pretty distraught over issues in his personal relationships as well as his band's dwindling popularity.

Maybe the band needs a new name, though, since they'll have a different lead singer. IN2XS?

Last night it seemed everyone was trying too hard to be a "Rock Star" and tonight it seemed the three didn't try hard enough.

INXS should just hire that blonde from Canada and send everyone else home.

And just to add something positive in this post... Brooke Burke is hot! : D

(Although look at what happened to Van Halen when they tried to hire a replacement for Sammy Hagar....ack!)

Phyllis, it doesn't look to me like they are trying to copy Hutchence, just doing their thing.

People who don't like talent shows wouldn't like this. Also, it bothers me that the audience is obviously prepped so that they cheer, wave their arms in unison, etc., like they do on game shows. And they stand all the cuties in front at the edge of the stage. It's like a fake, made-up concert.

In spite of all that, many of the contenders have major talent.

I enjoyed the show I watched Tuesday when they all took turns singing, and I like the back-up band. I found last night tedious, when they decided on who to eliminate.

That being said, some of the contestants are talented. At this point, I'm rooting for Mig. JD (?) was showing promise, but he's proving to be a bit flaky.

And forget Brooke Burke, I want a Jon Farriss sandwich! LOL

Ty and Marty sang very well Tuesday night and I was glad they had Marty encore Nirvana's "Lithium" last night -- I really think he did it justice.

Several of the others sang their songs off-key, which they hadn't before. It made me wonder if there was a problem with the sound or that they couldn't hear themselves sing that night. Brandon didn't seem to know the tune to "Tempted..." (Squeeze), which annoyed me since it's a favorite of mine.

In spite of the kitchiness we are enjoying the talent of several of the singers, and the rock songs that are selected are, for the most part, good ones.

My choices for the winner are JD or Mig. Suzie is a great singer, but she lacks an edge. And I don't think she can bring out the darker side of INXS songs. Marty is too edgy. I think fans voting for him are looking for a new Kurt Cobain, and he does some weird things with his hands. He's very talented, but he creeps me out! Plus, I think he's a little too controlling, and I didn't like his comment about everything being about singles these days.

As to the winner, JD would be great, I think, as long as he's being his real self now. Mig looks the part and is very talented, but I think he needs a bit of toughening up. I'd buy an INXS record with either as lead singer, but probably wouldn't with Suzie, and definately not with Marty.

JD was excellent as far as skills and showmanship and they may well choose him. He tries to say all the right things to them, but I think his obvious personality problems would eventually cause problems.

From the interview it sounds like Marty has his own distinct vision and would want to call the shots. I can't see the band going along with that, so he may be happier recording on his own.

INXS seem to like Suzie a lot, and she has been singing very well lately.

Mig has great talent and personality, but he may be too "nice" for that band.

I get the feeling that the band members are looking for sex appeal and some wildness. I think they'll choose JD or possibly Suzie, for that reason.

Personally, I like Marty the best, even the scary conductor gestures and screaming. I like Mig second best and think his career will go well either way (shirt on or off).

I'm a little concerned that Marty seems to be the fan favorite, but I think the band might decide he might not be such a team player.