TV SERIES

ROCKSTAR:SUPERNOVA

Producer: Mark Brunett
Host: Brooke Burke and Dave Navarro
Judges: Tommy Lee, Gilbert Clarke, Jason Newsted
Genre: Reality TV Series

The quest for a new Rockstar is on yet again. This time around, it's the combined forces of Tommy Lee (Motley Crue), Gilby Clarke (Guns N Roses), and Jason Newsted (Metallica), forming the band Supernova, who are looking for a lead singer. Brooke Burke and Dave Navarro are back as hosts of Rockstar Supernova; the second installment of producer Mark Brunett's (Survivor, The Apprentice) ratings magnet Rockstar, that produced Aussie band INXS's new vocalist, JD Fortune.

15 aspiring individuals hailing from all over the globe, try to co-exist in a house filled with rockstar comfort. While most singing contests sparingly show what the contestants do when they are not singing, Rockstar sets itself apart as it extensively features the contestants' lives off stage, dedicating a while episode to it. Having 'out-rocked' thousands of other hopefuls, they undergo a series of elimination rounds to see who will front the new band.

The performance episode features the rockers' rendition of a song, chosen by the judges (the members of Supernova) to test the strengths and weaknesses of each contestant. On stage, some of the actual performances can be called 'rock' while others are overly loud. Drama upon elimination is ever present and the audience is involved in the outcome through voting. The usual flashy lighting and multi-screened stage adapted by most talent shows are ditched for a less grand and underground setting.

American Idol meets The Real World but still the show leaves more to be desired. Each performance episode delivers only one or two that may be considered memorable. It's a good watch while it lasts. It provides entertaining moments on and off stage, but nothing that will be remembered 10 years from now. Like most singing contests the best rocker or the most popular may not end up winning, Supernova will ultimately choose the rocker that best suits their musical style and personality.