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Arts & Entertainment

Rock Star: INXS Revisited

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OK, so the heat may have affected our brain a few weeks back when we first caught "Rock Star: INXS" on CBS. LAist wanted to like the show because the earnest rockers reminded us of our friends and neighbors, hell even the guy at the Starbucks on Sunset who asked us if we wanted a muffin or scone to go with our double-shot, no-foam latte this morning. Better yet, there was no sign of Ryan Seacrest.

But after watching a few more episodes (and as the temperatures have dipped), we've gotten our senses back. Some of the singers totally blew in Tuesday night's show. Singing The Clash's "Rock the Casbah" in a ball gown should be a federal offense. There was a rendition of Sheryl Crow's "If It Makes You Happy" that absolutely didn't.

Sure, it wasn't all bad, but pretty close. LAist gives props to Mig who sang "Lola," Jordis' "Gimme Some Lovin'" and Ty's "Everybody Hurts." It's a pretty safe bet that the winner will be one of those three. Not that anyone cares - or is watching at this point.

We did also notice that the-powers-that-be have probably been tinkering with the show trying to salvage what they can of this low-rated Mark Burnett series. Dave Navarro has been a little more Simon Cowell-esque in his criticism one night, then all teary-eyed during the dismissal episode. (We also don't appreciate how he patronizingly calls the women singers "honey.") The show has been also playing up singer JD as the two-faced contestant a la Omarosa of "The Apprentice."

And in last night's episode, the good-natured INXS guys pulled the rug from under the two rockers with the lowest votes by giving them both the boot. (It was a good move. LAist wonders, however, if the producers told the guys to whittle down the ranks more quickly so they can end the show sooner than later.)

Though Brooke Burke is usually a likeable and competent host, right now she's transmitting about as much passion for the show as we are. Heck, even makes us wish for a "Seacrest - Out."

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But then again, maybe not. (Forgive us. It's still pretty hot out there.)

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