In 2005, J.D. Fortune, a native of Nova Scotia, found himself living in his car in Toronto with his pug, Presley, for a few weeks. At 31 years old, Fortune came across an advertisement on the radio about auditions for a CBS reality TV show called “Rock Star.” The show aimed to select a new lead vocalist for the Australian band INXS, who had been seeking a permanent singer since the passing of Michael Hutchence in 1997.
Fortune, inspired by his dog Presley, named after Elvis Presley, made a bold declaration that he would emerge victorious in the competition. His passion for music and performing had been a lifelong dream, and on an episode that aired on September 20, 2005, Fortune’s dream became a reality.
Hailing from Pictou County, N.S., Fortune, a self-described country boy who had split his childhood between Nova Scotia and Ontario, saw his victory on “Rock Star” as the pinnacle of his aspirations. His admiration for INXS dated back to his youth when he had an INXS album cover on his bedroom wall, feeling a deep connection to the band and their late frontman.
Since his triumph on the show, Fortune has been working on a new album and a book, with plans to release them next year. Leading a tranquil life in Pictou County, he diligently visits the gym each morning, focuses on his music, and continues to tour, performing both INXS hits and his solo material.
Before his television breakthrough, Fortune had diverse experiences, including stints in various bands, driving a tractor-trailer, and a brief period in the Canadian army. Despite being labeled as an Elvis impersonator by CBS, Fortune clarified that his performances were more about paying homage to the music of the 1950s to the 1970s.
The “Rock Star: INXS” competition drew thousands of hopefuls, with Fortune auditioning in Toronto before being selected among the final 15 contestants who appeared on the show. For INXS, the show not only served as a platform to find a new lead singer but also as a means to reintroduce their music to a wider audience following a period of uncertainty after Hutchence’s demise.
Fortune’s journey on the show took an unexpected turn during a songwriting challenge, where his original lyrics for a track titled “Pretty Vegas” caught the band’s attention. The song became a regular feature on the show and later became the first single off the album “Switch,” recorded by INXS with Fortune as the lead vocalist.
After his time with INXS from 2005 to 2011, Fortune embarked on a global tour, performing extensively before eventually returning to Nova Scotia to reconnect with his roots and loved ones. Despite the band’s eventual disbandment in 2012, Fortune continues to cherish performing INXS songs, particularly those he helped create, finding fulfillment in sharing his musical journey with audiences worldwide.