New singer leads INXS to US hit

Rock band INXS, who recently recruited a new singer through a reality TV show, have scored the highest US chart entry of their careers.

New single Pretty Vegas features Canadian JD Fortune, who took the place of the late Michael Hutchence after winning Rock Star: INXS last month.

It has entered the Billboard Hot 100 at 37 - the week's highest new entry and the band's best US debut.

Kanye West's Gold Digger, featuring Jamie Foxx, is still top of the chart.



INXS, who first featured in the Billboard chart in 1983, are enjoying renewed interest thanks to the CBS TV talent show.

Jason Dean Fortune, 31, was chosen for his "slightly dangerous edge" and "sense of spontaneity", guitarist Tim Farriss said.

"In addition, he has both the star quality we were looking for and is an inspired lyricist," Farris said. The group are due to go on tour with Fortune from January. Since Hutchence died in 1997, INXS have continued with a number of stand-in singers such as Terence Trent D'Arby and Jon Stevens. Pretty Vegas is also the band's first appearance in the Billboard chart for more than 12 years.