How real is it? Who knows?

But what I do know is that a few months ago, I got a call from one of the producers of Mark Burnett Productions, the company behind the show. He was looking for singers to attend a "closed-door" audition made up of singers who had been recommended by industry people.

I sent him the very best singer I've ever seen...a cross between Corey Glover of Living Colour, Terence Trent D'arby, and Rob Halford of Judas Priest.

Nothing...

And it wasn't just me... I know several very good people who tried out at either open or closed-door auditions and didn't get any interest.

In all fairness, I have not seen the show and don't know the quality of the people who were selected. And there are tons of really talented people, please don't think I'm one of those people who doesn't understand how a certain person who auditioned didn't make the cut...maybe they had an off day, maybe they didn't fit the image... No telling...

But I'm just not convinced that this show is doing a good job of finding a rock singer. American Idol is one thing...those guys are pop. Just because you can sing doesn't make you a "rockstar" though...and judging from the preview of the show, singing is all this one seems to concentrate on. Plus, this is INXS-- a group of guys who have been around for almost 30 years, played clubs, had hits, had tragedy, and been through a lot more than the average wannabe singer.

Rock and roll is about more than singing well and being on television.
About the Author

David Hooper is the founder of Kathode Ray Music, an artist development organization specializing in promotion and marketing of independent musicians and bands. Visit http://WWW.CHART-OF-GUITAR-CHORDS.COM/ for more tips and hints for musicians, bands, and songwriters.