Bitter tears

OK. After this week's performance edition of Rock Star: INXS, I was all excited about MiG -- of course -- as well as Marty, whose acoustic version of The Killers' "Mr. Brightside" was surprisingly exciting. As I suspected, I was somewhat dismayed at Ty's performance, "No Woman No Cry." I want to like him; his voice is good (especially on this song) and I can even, sometimes, get behind the whole emotional thing. But watching him, I feel like I'm in the theater watching "Rent," and he's eulogizing his dearly departed Angel. Which is phenomenal if I'm watching "Rent." But I'm not. I'm looking for a new singer for the champion rock band of my youth. Different thing.

Anyway, today my blessed TiVo also recorded a 1991 episode of Saturday Night Live, featuring musical guests INXS. I watched it as soon as I finished Rock Star. Upsetting. Just when I was energized about the band's potential with one of these competitors, I was starkly reminded of what we lost when Michael Hutchence died. Sorry, kids -- MiG and Marty and maybe even J.D., you guys might be great in your own right, in your own context. But replacing Michael? Dear, leonine Michael? Not so sure. As much as everyone says Rock Star is not about replacing Michael, it is actually about replacing Michael. And as happy as I am to see INXS on TV regularly, tonight I got a little upset with my own Mark Burnett-induced glee.

Oh, the reality angst. How will I sleep tonight?