Rock Star: INXS 8/24/05 Recap- All Hail the Drama Queen!

[totoro]

Rock Star: INXS 8/24/05 Recap: All Hail the Drama Queen!

This episode of Rock Star: INXS was extended from it's usual 30 minutes to an entire hour by CBS, although I can't figure out one good reason for it. A full 10 minutes of scenes from the previous night's episode were shown, and then for the first time, the show stooped down to American Idol levels with repeated "...after this commercial break" cliff-hangers. My disappointment with these tactics, combined with a low-level fever and a general feeling of malaise has kept me from my providing you all with my usual prompt recap, and for that I apologize! If any of you still care what happened Wednesday night on Rock Star: INXS, read on!

An Extra Half Hour of Crap!
After the pointless recaps of the last episode (which I'm not going to touch on because Shazzer covered them in her brilliant and dizzy-fying recap of the actual show), Brooke and Dave Navarro get down with some highly-scripted banter that leads us to a fly-on-the-wall look into the mansion immediately following the performance show. We see that most are feeling good, but Jordis in particular looks a bit downspirited. She moans, "I've butchered a really great song!" Uh... yeah, she did! Marty notes that when INXS asks him to tone it down, then he's going to turn it up. Deanna is "totally pissed" about the constant mention of her 'comfort zone.' Suzie feels that this week, the bottom three is up in the air: "Anything goes!"

And The Encore Goes To...
Back to the stage, Brooke asks anyone who feels like they deserve tonight's encore performance to please raise their hand. Deanna, Ty, JD and Suzie all raise their hands. Brooke asks why they think they deserve the encore.
Ty: For the first time, it felt like this was a show, and everyone was really into it.
Deanna: I'm really proud of the song Ty and I wrote.
MiG, when asked why he didn't raise his hand: I'm very proud of "Do or Die" but I feel like I could have done better. There were much more deserving performers than mine.

Brooke asks Dave who is getting the coveted encore tonight. Dave says they feel the performer they chose always sets the bar high vocally, always nails the performance, and with their last performance went above and beyond what they had seen before. He announces the honoree as "Sweet Suzie McNeil!" Suzie looks pleased as punch, and gives an equally energetic performance of "Start Me Up", even gracing us with an encore of her vanilla stage dive... if you can even call it that. She gets pushed back up on stage before she even reaches a 90 degree angle. I'd like to see someone really fling themselves into the audience, or just don't bother at all.

This Section Brought to You by Our Sponsor, Foreshadowing, Inc.
Flashing back again to the mansion following the performance show, Deanna is still pissed about the "comfort zone". She rhetorically asks how easy it is to sing power rock, and MiG answers that it's not easy, it's hard! JD, camera-talking and wearing a stupid hat, says that Deanna should not take comments like this personally, because the contest is boiling down to who is best suited for INXS. Talking to Deanna face-to-face, he says she should just be herself. Deanna exclaims she HAS been herself; everyone is just being themselves, but she's the only one being called out on it. Perhaps a light bulb goes off, because she says maybe she's just not right for INXS.

Suzie says, "You can do your 'thing' really well, but you have to be able to 'do' INXS really well, because ultimately the decision is up to them. A ha! Finally I understand the objective of this competition! Thanks for spelling it out for us, Suzie.

MiG is noticing that Jordis is very quiet. Jordis says she's a bit afraid that if she performs in the bottom three, that INXS might wonder if she is even right for their band. Again, I'm gaining a clearer perspective of what INXS is trying to do here.... they're trying to find the right person to front their band! Am I the only one who didn't understand this until now?

Ty says it will be interesting to see if the bottom three results match the quality of the performances. Suzie says that as good as she did with her performance, there is a large part of her the fully expects to be in the bottom three again. Jordis simply states, "I will be in the bottom three."

Would You Like a Mind Game with that Whine?
Back to the stage again, Brooke questions Marty on his decision to do the opposite of what INXS had requested of him. Marty says he decided to meet INXS halfway; otherwise where is his personality and his showmanship? Dave agrees with Marty, and admits he misses the scary conducter thing that Marty does when he's not busy toning down his performances. Tim admits that they thought Marty's performance of "I Alone" was fantastic, and that their comments were a bit of a test to see how he handled them. The results of the pop quiz are in, and they think Marty handled it well: "You've got so much respect from us right now."

Deanna, beating the 'comfort zone' issue to bloody pulp, whines that writing a song in a few hours, then arranging it, rehearsing it, and performing it in front of millions is not in her comfort zone. Well, that's not really what they mean, Deanna, but OK... Dave throws her a bone and says that her and Marty's comments have some validity, because considering that only one of the remaining rockers will be fronting INXS, the rest of them really need to hang onto who they are. JD is singled out by Brooke, who asks him what he thinks it's going to take to win this thing. JD says absolutely nothing original: He needs to meet INXS halfway, hold onto who he is, and that the ultimate decision lies with INXS. Thanks for the deep thoughts, buddy. Dave says that he feels JD's voice is perfectly suited to INXS' back catalog, and JD hops back onto the brown-nose platform and says that INXS' back catalog is THE reason why he is a singer and songwriter today. Anyone else think he is full of poop?

Suzie is singled out by Brooke, who says that she has been the queen of the bottom three. How does it feel knowing that even with her incredible performance, she could be in the bottom three again? Suzie pulls out a homemade hat, festooned with a flower and a banner reading "Queen of the Bottom Three" and says she's prepared to wear the hat in honor of her reign. She's come to terms with being there, and she is prepared to kick an INXS song and give them absolutely no reason to say goodbye to her. Dave says he cannot believe she's ever been in the bottom three, and if she ends up there again, he'll wear that hat!

Brooke singles out Jordis, and says that she took a big risk with "Dream On"; does she think it's a good idea to take such huge risks at this stage of the competition? Jordis admits that she didn't realize the scope of the risk until rehearsals, but she decided to go for it, and she would do it again, over and over, until she finally got it right. She also says she would be upset if she wasn't in the bottom three tonight, as everyone else did fantastically. Dave wants anyone that may have tuned in mid-season to know that Jordis gave her worst performance ever...by far...this week. If she ends up in the bottom three, at least she will know it was because she showed a lot of guts going for that note. Jon tells Jordis he loves her voice, and that she just had a bad night. If she ends up singing an INXS song tonight, he won't be complaining!

Just Tell Us Who the Bottom Three Is, Dammit!
Brooke reminds us of the initial voting results last night, and asks the initial bottom three to stand up. They are Deanna, Ty and Jordis. Of course, as voting continued through the night and around the world, several more of them ended up in the bottom three at one time or another. They are also asked to stand, and they are JD, Marty, and MiG. Astonished and amazed, Suzie realizes that she is only one of them not in the bottom three! Brooke addresses her, and when Suzie stands up, Brooke tells her, "Suzie, sit down!" Laughing, Suzie tells Brooke this feels "really good." Dave is pleased to see her escape the bottom three for one major reason: "No hat for this guy!"

With the six potential bottom three standing, and Suzie seated in front of them like a different kind of queen, Brooke is prepared to reveal the actual bottom three, in no particular order.

Ty Gets So Emotional, Baby
She asks Ty to join her on the stage. Dave declares this a 'state of emergency' and Kirk tells Ty they all enjoyed his performance, but apparently the audience didn't agree for some reason. He tells Ty to pull it out of the hat with "What You Need." Ty does a fine enough job, but he still can't shake his flamboyant, theatrical style of performing. He is a fantastic vocalist, but my instinct tells me he's just not gonna take this competition in the end. I have to note that he is sportin' some enormous pit stains tonight. When he is finished, Kirk asks him how it makes him feel performing INXS songs. Ty says, "I've said it before, but there's something about your music that makes me want to dance, that vibrates in me. Maybe this time, people will get that I'm supposed to be your lead singer. I don't know why they don't get that! You keep mentioning people are saying that they want to be here, but I KNOW I'm supposed to be here so I don't have to talk about it all the time!" Quite emotional, that Ty is. We get a quick shot of JD reacting to this slam, but with his big black shades on, there's nothing to see. Not like this would get through his thick skin anyways.

The Deanna Zone
Brooke now reveals that Deanna is also one of the actual bottom three. Dave tells Deanna to forget about this 'comfort zone' thing because she's awesome. Tim tells her she has a wonderful voice, and they'd like to hear her sing "Elegantly Wasted." She does an okay job, but she just moves too much and it distracts from the vocals (which aren't all that original in my opinion!) Andrew asks her how she feels performing INXS songs. Deanna gets down on her knees (can you smell the desperation?) and says she loves INXS songs because she loves to rock hard and she loves to dance, and INXS brings those things together for her. Dave, maybe because he loves girls on their knees, says, "I love you, girl!"

For This Section, I Apologize
With JD, Marty, Jordis and MiG left standing all this time, Brooke points out it is the first time any of them have been in this position, and in fact, three of them received the most votes last week. Which one of them will be forced to sing to survive? We'll find out after this commercial break.

In my ongoing effort to give a nod to advertisers and keep my TiVo sacred, I'd like to point out that Applebee's is currently running an All You Can Eat Riblets promotion! Yum... riblets.... Also, The Brothers Grimm is now playing at a theatre near you.

When Brooke Met Ryan Seacrest
Brooke is ready to end the suspense and reveal the final member of the bottom three. JD........you're safe. (doh!) MiG.... you too are safe, please sit down. Marty.... you are the final member of the bottom three. Marty whips of his jacket, preparing to rock, while Jordis looks a bit panicked and like she might cry. Dave says that this is a crime, and doesn't know what to say. He holds up his mike, and then dramatically lets it fall to the ground. He points to INXS, and one of them tells Marty that his being in the bottom three is quite a change from last week, so they think it's appropriate for him to sing "Don't Change". Yay! I love this song, and can't wait for this. And you know what? Marty is AWESOME... he can sing, and he does so with great style, passion, and remains completely true to the song while still being Marty. I got goosebumps watching him perform, and even had to rewind it and watch again, it was so good. Yeah, he misses some notes, and yeah, he's a little uncomfortable to look at somethimes in his intensity... but he is GOOD. He gets a standing ovation all around, and Tim tells him to "soak it up!" When asked how it feels to perform an INXS song, Marty says, "Actually, kind of powerful." He says he originally got into INXS and bought their greatest hits album as tool to study songwriting, and being able to perform their songs is another tool, and he just keeps learning and hopes to stay around for a long time. Dave tells Marty that watching him learn is teaching them, and it's "really kind of rad, dude." Dave just cracks me up. The way he talks SO doesn't match how he looks.

The Moment We've All Been Waiting (A Half Hour Longer Than Usual) For
It's decision time, and Tim wastes no time excusing Marty from the line up, telling him that was a very powerful rendition of "Don't Change". He notes that it's actually not such a bad thing to be in the bottom three at this point, because they get to see INXS songs performed, which is the point of this whole competition. He regretfully tells Deanna that she's just not right for "our band: INXS" and she starts crying. Dave declares this Black Wednesday and tells Deanna whatever this 'comfort zone' of hers is, is awesome, and he would perform with her any day. Deanna is sad and gracious, and admits that she watches a lot of reality TV and that you're always seeing someone get voted off, and they leave and are never thought of again. She's realizing now that they are all real people, and it hurts to be in that position. She will miss everyone and she really wanted to be chosen, but she is grateful for the opportunity. MiG is not the only one crying at her demise, but the usual soggy Suzie looks more happy than sad. Can you blame her? She's actually got a shot at this, and she knows it now.

Tune in Sunday night on VH1 at 8pm to see the reaction to Deanna's expulsion, and see what lies in store for the next performance show on Tuesday night at 10pm. See you then!

[Google]

 

[Shazzer]

Originally Posted by totoro

and then for the first time, the show stooped down to American Idol levels with repeated "...after this commercial break" cliff-hangers.

She moans, "I've butchered a really great song!" Uh... yeah, she did!

even gracing us with an encore of her vanilla stage dive... if you can even call it that. She gets pushed back up on stage before she even reaches a 90 degree angle. I'd like to see someone really fling themselves into the audience, or just don't bother at all.

This Section Brought to You by Our Sponsor, Foreshadowing, Inc.

JD, camera-talking and wearing a stupid hat,

A ha! Finally I understand the objective of this competition! Thanks for spelling it out for us, Suzie.

Again, I'm gaining a clearer perspective of what INXS is trying to do here.... they're trying to find the right person to front their band! Am I the only one who didn't understand this until now?

Would You Like a Mind Game with that Whine?

JD says absolutely nothing original: He needs to meet INXS halfway, hold onto who he is, and that the ultimate decision lies with INXS. Thanks for the deep thoughts, buddy.

Anyone else think he is full of poop? Shazz says "YES!"<--audible

Just Tell Us Who the Bottom Three Is, Dammit!

Ty Gets So Emotional, Baby

Ty does a fine enough job, but he still can't shake his flamboyant, theatrical style of performing.

I have to note that he is sportin' some enormous pit stains tonight.

She does an okay job, but she just moves too much and it distracts from the vocals (which aren't all that original in my opinion!)

Deanna gets down on her knees (can you smell the desperation?)

Dave, maybe because he loves girls on their knees, says, "I love you, girl!"

For This Section, I Apologize


When Brooke Met Ryan Seacrest

I got goosebumps watching him perform, and even had to rewind it and watch again, it was so good. Yeah, he misses some notes, and yeah, he's a little uncomfortable to look at somethimes in his intensity... but he is GOOD.

Dave just cracks me up. The way he talks SO doesn't match how he looks.

The Moment We've All Been Waiting (A Half Hour Hour Longer Than Usual) For

Absolutely Fan-diddly-astic jobberino on the recap, Totorino! <--Hommage to Ned F.! All your commentary on the performers, your comments on Ty, etc. etc.? Nail.....on....freakin'...HEAD ! Sooooooooo GOOD and so true!!! I loved it! Apparently, germs agree with you.

And again, the brain share with the American Idol tactics commentary, and the commentary on JD's completely candy-ass, predictible speech! And yes, I think he is chock FULL of poop, too!

Great recap, Toto.

[Siryn]

So much good stuff... thanks for the recap!

[GlitterxGold]

Great job! I missed the show but the way you described Marty's performance....it sounded awesome! Thanks for enduring all those "commericial breaks" for us!

[Siryn]

watch the videos on the show website, glitter!

[Mantenna]

Another work of sheer brilliance, Totoro! Thanks for enduring sickness and pestilence to present us with this great read. We you! Feel better!

[roseskid]

Originally Posted by totoro

[i]This episode of Rock Star: INXS was extended from it's usual 30 minutes to an entire hour by CBS, although I can't figure out one good reason for it.

An Extra Half Hour of Crap!

I'd like to see someone really fling themselves into the audience, or just don't bother at all.

This Section Brought to You by Our Sponsor, Foreshadowing, Inc.

Suzie says, "You can do your 'thing' really well, but you have to be able to 'do' INXS really well, because ultimately the decision is up to them. A ha! Finally I understand the objective of this competition! Thanks for spelling it out for us, Suzie.

Again, I'm gaining a clearer perspective of what INXS is trying to do here.... they're trying to find the right person to front their band! Am I the only one who didn't understand this until now?

Anyone else think he is full of poop?

Deanna gets down on her knees (can you smell the desperation?) and says she loves INXS songs because she loves to rock hard and she loves to dance, and INXS brings those things together for her. Dave, maybe because he loves girls on their knees, says, "I love you, girl!"

In my ongoing effort to give a nod to advertisers and keep my TiVo sacred, I'd like to point out that Applebee's is currently running an All You Can Eat Riblets promotion! Yum... riblets.... Also, The Brothers Grimm is now playing at a theatre near you.

Bravo, Toto! What a fun read, especially considering your low-level fever and general feeling of malaise (extra 10 points for the word 'malaise' ). Now go to bed and get some rest.

[fireflyer]

yep, it's all true.

Thanks for the recap!

[AsIs]

Originally Posted by totoro

With the six potential bottom three standing, and Suzie seated in front of them like a different kind of queen, Brooke is prepared to reveal the actual bottom three, in no particular order.

Great recap totoro!

No particular order my @$$! They just happen to be left with the three who have never been in bottom three before by accident?

[PurrpleCat]

Originally Posted by AsIs

Great recap totoro!

No particular order my @$$! They just happen to be left with the three who have never been in bottom three before by accident?

I believe that statement is to say that just because you are called first doesn't mean that you got the least votes, and so forth. That statement ALLOWS them to manipulate the order.