Burnett joins CBS's search for a rock star

Burnett joins CBS's search for a rock star

MUMBAI: The reality genre has tasted sweet music with American Idol and Popstars. Now US broadcaster CBS has decided to jump on the bandwagon by using the medium of rock music.

The broadcaster has teamed up with reality TV guru Mark Burnett to find the new lead singer of the rock group INXS. The show will go on air later this year.

For those not in the know INXS was, at one time in the late 1980s and early 1990's, Australia's biggest rock act. They carved out classic cuts like Suicide Blonde and Baby Don't Cry. Unfortunately its charismatic lead singer Michael Hutchense committed suicide after fighting a losing battle against alcohol and depression.

Stepping into Hutchense's shoes is not going to be easy. However the chance to be a rock star is something that most musicians can only dream about. The show will combine the world of rock music with relationship-style unscripted drama, performance competition and a weekly contestant elimination. Who gets voted out will be determined by a combination of viewer participation, judges and INXS band members.

The last contestant standing joins INXS and will embark on a worldwide concert tour with the band. The chosen one will also be part of the group's new album.

From the auditions several aspirants will be chosen. Those that make the casting cut will be housed together in a Hollywood Hills home. Each week will feature taped reality segments focussing on the relationships and conflicts that develop between the competitors, along with a performance competition and weekly results.