Pop Quiz: J.D. Fortune of INXS

Pop Quiz: J.D. Fortune of INXS

Aidin Vaziri | Because so few people actually watched the reality TV show "Rock Star: INXS," in which the nearly 30-year-old Australian band searched for a new lead singer of roughly the same vintage, it seems only appropriate to give a fresh introduction to prizewinner J.D. Fortune. The 32-year-old Canadian not only beat out a bunch of other aspiring rockers but also put up with Dave Navarro every night to become the replacement for Michael Hutchence (who died under mysterious circumstances in 1997). Cue sold-out tour dates, respectable sales for the new album, "Switch," and single "Pretty Vegas" making the highest-charting entry in the band's history. We caught up with Fortune by phone in Sydney, just before the band started its tour.


J.D. Fortune of INXS
Q: Did INXS really have to do a reality TV show to find you?
A: There are many ways to skin a cat. If you're going to do a global search, it's newsworthy. And if you're going to put it on television, it's entertaining. I could've done without the reality TV portion and just stuck with the audition process. For me, it wasn't about being on a TV show. It was about becoming a member of INXS.
Q: Since you've been in Australia, have you lived out your other lifelong dream of hugging a koala bear?
A: No, but I have seen some of the most beautiful women on the planet walking around. Literally, I'm rehearsing 11 hours a day and it's like, "Oh, J.D., would you like to go out for a glass of wine?" I go, "I'd love to as long as you've got time between 7:30 and 8 a.m. Sorry." That's the most ironic thing. The lack of time. I thought it was going to be this thing where I get out of the limo, walk in, do a couple of tunes, everybody freaks out, point to a couple chicks and go. But it's more like getting in bed at 10 p.m., up at 6, interviews and off to rehearsal.
Q: Have you gotten mobbed yet?
A: Yeah. It's pretty funny, actually. Well, not funny. It's flattering. There have been some moments where it's like, "OK, how do I get out of here?" I don't get too freaked out about it. I just remember the bigger picture and where I was this time last year. It makes me really appreciate it.
Q: What about unexpected phone calls from ex-girlfriends?
A: No, although this girl I dated a few years ago, the night I won (she) called our mutual friend up and goes, "I f -- the lead singer from INXS!"
Q: Wow. That's almost better than winning.
A: Yeah. All is fair in love and war.