'Rock Star' to Hold Canadian Auditions

TORONTO (CP) - Canada proved a fertile rock star breeding ground for INXS, who found lead singer J.D. Fortune at an audition in Toronto.

Now, another band is going to try its luck north of the border.

Singing hopefuls can try out for a yet-to-be-announced band when Rock Star: The Series brings its open casting tour to Toronto and Vancouver next month.

While producers haven't revealed the band, they've said it'll be an "all-star rock 'n' roll supergroup." The online rumour mill has suggested Queen and Van Halen.

Auditions for the new season begin March 1 in Austin, Texas. The show is visiting 12 cities in North America, including March 13 at Toronto's Horseshoe Tavern and March 23 at Vancouver's Roxy.

Those who can't make one of the in-person auditions can send a video or audio clip directly to producers. Details are at www.rockstar.msn.com/season2.

Men and women, aged 21 or older, with "singing styles ranging from John Mayer-style singer/songwriters, to singers like Chester of Linkin Park, Joss Stone or Amy Lee of Evanescence," have been invited to apply.

The new series will begin this fall.

Fortune was one of approximately 1,000 Canadians who auditioned for Rock Star: INXS last year. He went on to become one of 15 finalists and eventually won the title of INXS front man, replacing the late Michael Hutchence. He recorded a new album with the band and is currently on tour.

Rock Star is the brainchild of reality TV impresario Mark Burnett. He also created Survivor.

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