Talking of reality TV, US TV network CBS have bought up the rights to the previously reported TV show which will stage a global search for a new front man for INXS. The show will launch in summer 2005 and will centre on a house in the Hollywood hills where a dozen finalists selected from auditions across the US and Canada, and in London, Tokyo and Sydney, will go through the motions of being trained and, if they are lucky, selected for rock stardom. The overall winner will then front an INXS world tour.
The shows producer Mark Burnett told reporters: "INXS is one of the world's premier rock bands, and this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for someone. Rock stars are colourful personalities and charismatic performers who make great reality TV characters. Add to that a global format, elimination-style competition and the enormous stakes of becoming the lead singer in a successful group, and you have a unique environment for compelling unscripted drama."