INXS seeking Hutchence replacement

The "Rock Star: INXS" show hits TV screens in America on Monday when it debuts on CBS. The band is using the reality TV show to pick a new lead singer, who will then record an album with the band and tour the world. Guitarist Tim Farriss told us that the remaining members want to find an original talent, and he joked that people who try to act like the late Michael Hutchence will be dealt with severely:
[ click here to listen if you have a Backstage Pass] "Well, we'll offer 'em a blindfold (laughs), you know what I mean? Basically, we're not interested in a, you know, Michael look-a-like or sound-a-like. In many ways, we're sort of hoping that we'll attract something completely different from a Michael, and that put a new twist on our old stuff."

Hutchence, who was the band's original frontman, hanged himself in November 1997. INXS performed with R&B singer Terence Trent D'Arby in May 1999, and later that year, the group began working with Australian singer Jon Stevens. Stevens officially joined in May 2000, but he left the band in late 2003.

Fifteen contestants have been chosen for Rock Star: INXS, which is hosted by Jane's Addiction and former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Dave Navarro and model and TV host Brooke Burke. The show airs three nights a week in America - Mondays will have tutorials on how to be a rock star, as well as showing what happens between the contestants, who are all living together in a Hollywood mansion; Tuesdays will show live performances with a house band, after which people can vote online or via text messaging for their favorites; and Wednesdays will have those chosen for elimination fighting for their spots by performing an INXS song in front of the band, who will make the final decision.