American Idol meets Comeback Kid

The bands TLC and INXS have a lot in common. They both have a band member who died under dramatic circumstances (Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes was killed in a car crash, Michael Hutchence died from a drug overdose), and both of their fame has been vanishing since then. Now the American TV networks CBS and Fox plan to revive their careers with new reality series. The shows would feature contestants competing to replace the deceased band members. The winner would then join the music groups, for recordings and possibly televised concerts. CBS's project with INXS is called "Rock Star" (how surprising) and will debut in Summer 2005. What's next: A reality show about replacing Michel Eisner? Or President Bush? (Not a bad idea, actually...)