This is a pretty good show. 15 talented singers trying to become the next lead singer for the band INXS.

There are a few strange things about it though:

1. Is INXS really a rock band? All of the contestants are pretty hardcore rockers, but I always thought of INXS as pop. Oh well - we'll see how that part turns out, I guess.

2. Why is Wil Seabrook on the show? The Charlotte-based singer had a record deal with Maverick records. Now, his Web site says the "site is unavailable for the next few months." At least the bio on the cbs page doesn't hide that fact. Apparently, Ty had a record deal in the past too. I wouldn't call these people amateurs.

My thoughts on last night's show:

Heather - Had solid vocals singing Jefferson Starship's "Somebody to Love." She didn't impress me though.

Marty - Strange behavior and actions when he sings, with overemphasized movements. Just doesn't look natural. He was singing "Take Me Out" by Franz Ferdinand.

Daphna - Singing "People Are Strange" by the Doors. She did her own version of the song with a good amount of originality. She has one of the better voices and personalities on the show, but seems a little too goth for INXS.

Suzie - Weak vocally singing Blondie's "Call Me." She did better on the chorus, but not great.

Brandon - Singing "Hard to Handle," he had good vocals but a bad stage presence. Maybe it's the bad haircut?

Jordis - She's definitely a front runner after singing Nirvana's "Heart Shaped Box" last night. She wasn't trying to be Kurt, and did a great job with the song. The look makes me wonder if she'd fit in.

Mig - He sang The Kinks "All of the Night" and so far seems the best fit for INXS because of his pop vocals.

Deanna - Sang "Should I Stay or Should I Go." She's got a lot of bass in her voice. She's good, but didn't stand out from the pack in my mind.

Wil - Sang "Right Here, Right Now" by Jesus Jones. He needs to stop singing to the women in the front row. He also lacks power in his vocals.

Jessica - Sang Cheap Trick with a cracking voice that didn't show enough range.

Tara - Sounded like she was singing in the wrong key for "Take It Easy" by The Eagles. A little too country, and nothing special.

Neal - CCR's "Fortunate Son." He did a great job on the vocals, but his act is a little too Mick Jagger.

Ty - The other frontrunner in my mind sang Pat Benatar's "Heartbreaker" and had the energy, stage presence and vocal power to make it work.

J.D. - Sang his own version of "California Dreaming" by the Mamas and the Papas. Not great vocally, and has distracting stage movements. He's also got too much vibrato in his voice.

Stay tuned to see what happens...

Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at July 13, 2005 9:26 AM