Rockstar Supernova taping at CBS July 16, 2006
Seeking the gig of a lifetime, Rockers, aka Rockstar: Supernova Wannabees, awaited the opportunity to impress and possibly become the lead singer for Supernova, comprised of legendary rockers Tommy Lee (Motley Crue), Gilby Clarke (Guns ‘N Roses), and Jason Newsted (Metallica). Dave Navarro (Red Hot Chili Peppers) and Brooke Burke returned once again to play host from last summer’s success Rockstar: INXS.
The CBS studio air-conditioned stage reminds one of the Mayan, a once popular nightclub or reminiscent of a temple to the sun god, hence the name Supernova.
Glancing at the audience, one wonders how they all made it there. Beside me were friends of camera men, the band, CBS executives and friends. If you don’t know someone in the know, you can also obtain tickets from Audiences Unlimited (www.tvtickets.com) or audience tickets given out at Venice Beach and Santa Monica Beach and the Santa Monica Promenade for ten people.
Warming up the audience were Rockstar: Supernova production personnel leading the audience in sounds effects, later to be edited in and to be televised on Tuesday – the applause, the agreement applause, oohs (males, females, and both together).
The Supernova stage was front center, with Rockers to the left, Houseband on stage, and back right to us were Supernova. Well inked Navarro (Carmen Elektra), Lee (Pamela Anderson), Clarke and Newsted were elevated in thrones with Mayan and Moroccan tapestries and accents. Brooke Burke kept popping up in various places introducing the next Rocker and their song with commentary from their last performance, song selections and cat fights, and of course, the way to vote for your favorite.
The talented Houseband, most returning from last season’s Rockstar: INXS, were given a list of 250 songs they would need to be prepared to play. The Houseband is Paul Mirkovich (16 years with Cher), Jim McGorman (The New Radicals, Cher), Rafael Moreira (Pink, Marc Anthony), Nate Morton (Natalie Cole, Madonna), and Sasha Krivtsov (Billy Idol, The New Radicals).
Being on the floor we were within feet of the Houseband and Rockers and feeling the music. Being close besides having the chance to touch the Rockers, means showing enthusiasm and keeping your arms in the air clapping or waving.
How tough is it to select the lead singer of Supernova? For the band members, they’re able to hear and see the Rockers with a variety of music and situations, with cameras catching their off-stage persona. Stage presence, vocal range, audience connection, ability to connect, work with and represent the image of Supernova, amongst who know how many “intangibles” will make the right fit, and most of all, who they could see being the lead singer of Supernova.
Supernova expressed they want someone that understands that someone in the nose bleed section of where they will be performing is just as important as those in the VIP section. They also have to be able to belt out popular tunes, and they do have them in their set, as well as their hard rock tunes.
As we heard often throughout the taping, “we’d like to see more of you” as expressed by Dave Navarro and Tommy Lee, to the females. If our show were more to the right, you’d win and Taylor Hicks (American Idol winner) would be your janitor. References to Lillith Faire, Celine Dion and even selling trucks.
Navarro, Lee, Clarke and Newsted are very knowledgeable about what is going on and articulate it well. Time will tell.
We each had our favorites, but from an audience perspective, Dilana and Lukas Rossi have it for stage presence. Voice favorites were Zayra Alvarez and Magni.
Newsted had a surprise performance with one of the Rockers. Not that we would tell you. You’ll see the taping tomorrow night – Tuesday.
As for voting, you can see the ballot included in the pics. We were asked to vote for our favorite Rocker Performance upon exiting. Stay tuned to CBS for developments and MSN for an online viral experience, http://rockstar.msn.com.
Photos courtesy of Sasha Krivtsov
Rockstar Supernova houseband bassist Sasha Krivtsov is an artist of many talents and will be having a one evening gallery showing. Dave Navarro, Brooke Burke, and Supenova are all fans. Rockstar: Supernova Rockers will also be appearing at the gallery showing.
See Sasha’s art at www.DesaArt.com
Sasha Krivtsov
Recent Paintings
One Evening Only
Reception for the Artist
Saturday, July 22, 7-10 pm
Don O'Melveny Gallery
5472 Wilshire Blvd., LA 90036
Tel 323.932.0076
