By Chris Hunt

About a year ago, when I first learned of the brand new Rockstar INXS show, I was somewhat dismayed at the concept of replacing a deceased lead singer through a reality show. I felt so strongly about it that I wrote about it here in this newsletter. When the show started running at the beginning of the summer on CBS, I planned on avoiding it like the fat, drunk girl at a bachelorette party. But then a funny thing happened. I watched the show. And it was really good.

The idea behind finding a reality star to replace the late Michael Hutchence still mildly appalled me, but once the actual music started, the self-righteousness easily subsided. There was really no denying that people on the show were quality artists. I still think the rest of the band could've done a better job of mentioning their former front man (who committed suicide in 1997) or acknowledged his major presence that hung over the proceedings. But the show was about the band moving forward, and they did so quite entertainingly.

Looking back on my original article, I realized I was pretty harsh on the remaining members of INXS. So much so, that I felt a little guilty about enjoying the last several episodes of the show and its many characters and contestants. That's why I felt it was only fair to give a follow-up commentary based on my thoughts throughout last Tuesday night's finale. So without further ado, I give you: Rockstar INXS Revisited.

The show began, like all of the shows, with former Playboy Playmate Brooke Burke taking the stage. Her outfits never fail to be ridiculous, but I must say she's better to look at than Ryan Seacrest. Rockstar has one other thing over American Idol. Most of these losing contestants, who are now taking the stage, have more musical talent than the top three AI singers from any season, save maybe Kelly Clarkson...maybe.

Looking back on past episodes, the performances were always strong and oftentimes even moving. A heartfelt version of "Baby, I Love Your Way" by one of the finalists MiG was one particularly memorable moment. Jordis, a songbird-hippie chick, also sang her own rendition of "Knocking on Heaven's Door" to tremendous results. Another finalist Marty played an acoustic "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers, a refreshing reinvention of a song that has had enough radio airtime in its original arrangement. These highlights, among many others, were the real reason the show surprised me. The music was really well done. Rockstar INXS must have been considered more credible by today's struggling musicians, because the people who tried out were legitimate singers, some literally living out of their cars prior to making it on the show. Either that or Simon isn't as great of a talent judge as we think.

Now, Brooke's introducing the judges: the remaining band members (Andrew, Tim and and Jon Farriss, Gary Beers and Kirk Pengilly) and former Chili Peppers and Jane's Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro. (Throughout the season, Navarro has seemed genuine and down to earth. Regardless of which contestant comes out on top, Navarro will emerge as a big winner. His profile and his popularity have been significantly raised.) Next she brings out the three finalists: MiG, the Australian stage performer; JD Fortune, outspoken and cocky Canadian; and Marty Casey the American, alternative rocker.

MiG cruised through the entire season never even sniffing the bottom three in votes. My guess is this was because of a strong international following. MiG was the only non-North American in the contest. His voice is strong but often showy. Rock and theater singing are not the same, and MiG was quite frankly a better stage performer than rock performer. In order to do Rockstar, he passed on a chance to play the lead in the London musical We Will Rock You, a show inspired by the music of Queen. So I guess it's no surprise that he sings "Bohemian Rhapsody" for his final song. Again, his voice sounds strong, but the arrangement is so over the top I need a shower after it's done. Since fourth place singer Suzie did a better version in an earlier episode, I give this performance a C.

(One side note about "Bohemian Rhapsody." How great is the guitar part at the end of this song? I was at my friend Pat's wedding last month, and the DJ started up this classic and announced this would be the final song. I was thinking it was such a strange pick for last dance and even considered going to get a drink. Approximately three and half minutes later, the entire party was going absolutely crazy. Grandma was doing air-guitar by the speaker while the kitchen staff was flashing people. It was amazing. I have no idea what the deal is with that opera part in the middle, but that song rocks out like no other.)

Next up is JD Fortune. Now this guy seems to rub everyone the wrong way, including me. He spent the whole season pissing off all of his competition through snide comments and one-upsmanship. He also seems to love himself more than any healthy person should. A fun and energetic performer and an above-average singer. I'm rooting against him vehemently.

JD takes on the Stones hit, "You Can't Always Get What You Want." The song is enjoyable. Partly because of JD but mainly because of the show's house band who has played every song flawlessly since the first episode. The crowd, which seems to be made up of the cast of Laguna Beach multiplied like gremlins, is drooling over JD. There's a close-up of some 15 year-old sweetheart gazing lustily into his eyes, and I manage to like him even a little less. Despite the cheesy crowd and unpleasant personality, the strength of the performance can't be denied. I begrudgingly give this one a B+. He's probably through to the final two.

Here comes Marty Casey. Marty has evolved throughout the show into a remarkable singer and performer, not to mention, my personal favorite. He's also intelligent, genuine and likeable. He won me over with his original song "Trees," played on an earlier episode. "Trees" is upbeat and catchy and better than 75% of the music on the radio now. Tonight he's performing Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here," a song about losing a band member and likely one that hits home with INXS. The performance is poignant and crowd-pleasing. The guitar solo is chilling. Maybe not Marty's best, but it will be enough to get him to the final two. This gets a B. He's also through.

After the judges deliberate, my speculation comes true. MiG is eliminated. Thankfully he doesn't tear off his shirt as he's been known to do. He exits gracefully, and INXS finally takes the stage. Marty and JD will each play a song with the band, and they'll make the final decision.

Marty's up first and he plays the lesser known single "Don't Change," a solid song that reminds you how many great tunes INXS had back in the day. Marty sounds good with the band. He stands amidst an extravaganza of lights, belting one powerful, final note. Thrilling ending. I'm not blown away, but I liked it.

Finally, the last song of Rockstar INXS is underway as JD and the band begin "What You Need." JD gets the more-well known song, which will help with the crowd. His voice sounds just like Michael Hutchence; he may be trying to sound like him. He's doing a solid job, as he works the stage and the adoring audience. It's going to be a tough decision for the band. If it were up to me, it would come down to who I would rather go on a world tour and spend hours in the studio with (Marty).

The moment has finally come. A year ago I condemned INXS for creating this show, and suddenly I'm rooting for one of the contestants. So I guess it's fitting that my rooting interest did not win. Yes, JD Fortune will be the new lead singer of INXS. They throw Marty a bone by saying he might open for them on the tour. I'm a little disappointed, but maybe the experience of his new mates will rub off on him and humble him. Or maybe he's not really a bad guy. Reality TV has never been flattering to its more confidant contestants.

Marty Casey won't be complaining though. In fact, he may be better off as runner-up. Instead of having to find his own niche in an established act, he can now begin a career with his own image and personality. I'm sure he'll have no trouble landing a record deal. Truthfully, I'll be looking forward to Marty Casey's debut CD more than the new INXS CD.

And speaking of INXS, it will be interesting to see how the new group will fair in today's music scene. Will long-time fans warm up to a new singer? Will the teenage girl crowd crushing on JD embrace a band that formed in 1977? Their music isn't dated. INXS pretty much invented the dance-rock sound, which is huge right now. "Don't Change" could almost pass as a new Killers song.

Either way, it made for enjoyable television. Producers have already said they are planning on a season two for next summer. Aspiring singers better start learning their Blind Melon or Doors lyrics. Whoever the band is, I'm sure I'll disapprove. Unfortunately, I'll be watching every episode too.