"I'm sorry. You're just not right for our band, INXS." Lead guitarist Tim Farriss needs to say these words to every single one of the vocalists currently auditioning for the band on CBS's "Rock Star: INXS." These people are the biggest bunch of self-absorbed, marginally-talented poseurs I have ever seen congregated in one place. Each is far more concerned with clothes and alleged sex appeal than with the sound of their own voice. The late Michael Hutchence was also obsessed with these things, but at least he knew that his singing came first. When it comes to talent, however, these new hoodlums are generic and disposable. Except maybe J.D. Fortune. The members of INXS singled him out for praise last week just two days after he was nearly eliminated. While I don't care that much for his voice, he seems a bit more grounded than the other wannabes. He's the only one who seems to actually want to be part of a band, and he's the only one who seems to turn off his onstage persona once he comes off stage. I'm not saying I necessarily want this guy singing for INXS, but given the options currently on the table, he's the only viable choice. If personality meant nothing and singing voice was the sole criterion, Ty Taylor and Brandon Calhoon would be the top picks so far. But since they're as guilty of flash over substance as anyone, I'd hesitate to call either of them a "favorite." Of course, they should at least stick around longer than untalented freaks like Heather Luttrell and Neal Carlson. In addition, Daphna Dove and Mig Ayesa should be eliminated simply for being named "Daphna" and "Mig." Given some of the song choices in the opening round (when contestants were free to choose any song they wanted), you have to wonder if these people have even heard INXS's music. I just can't imagine how singing a song by Kiss, Nirvana, or Hole would convince anyone that you're an appropriate fit for INXS, musically speaking. On the other side of the coin, given the circumstances that will be thrust upon the winner, I sincerely hope that the contestants don't honestly believe that they'll ever be a full-fledged member of INXS. According to the show, the existing band members are already recording the instrumental tracks for their next album. Once a winner is selected, he or she will immediately go into the studio to lay down the lead vocals. This means that all of the songs will have already been completely written and arranged by the time the new singer arrives. He or she will have no say whatsoever in the bulk of the creative process. (The fact that this portion of the scenario so closely resembles events in the Mark Wahlberg movie "Rock Star" is kind of funny and kind of sad.) With the egos most of these contestants are toting around, I'll be surprised if the winner doesn't quit the band (or get fired) within a year or two. A big potential (and unfair) roadblock in the competition is vocal range. Since all of the songs for the new CD will have been recorded in specific keys already, the selected singer will have to possess a very specific vocal range. Therefore, it's possible that one or more of the current contestants may be eliminated simply because their voice isn't high or low enough to match the canned songs. And yet for all of my complaining, I'm pretty certain I'll keep watching this show all the way to the bitter end. I guess that's the price I pay for being an INXS fan since the "Listen Like Thieves" days. If, like me, you plan to keep watching to the end, here's a little viewing tip: pay extra special attention to the reactions of Andrew Farriss. The guitarist and keyboardist has said precious little so far, and he'll likely continue keeping a low profile. But since he's historically been the band's primary creative force (even while his brother Tim has played the public role of band leader), I suspect that his opinion will carry a lot of weight with the rest of the group. So if Andy likes someone, assume they'll be sticking around for awhile.