Nova Scotia’s J.D. Fortune reflects on 20 years since winning Rock Star: INXS, a journey from living in his car to global fame and back home to Pictou County.
J.D. Fortune Marks 20 Years Since INXS Breakthrough
From Car to Stage
In 2005, Pictou County, N.S., native J.D. Fortune was living in his car in Toronto with his pug, Presley, when he heard a radio ad for a CBS reality show, Rock Star: INXS. At 31, Fortune auditioned against thousands of hopefuls to become the new lead singer for the Australian rock band.
The Moment of Victory
On Sept. 20, 2005, his bold prediction—“I’m going to win this”—came true. Chosen by the three-time Grammy-nominated group, Fortune stepped into the spotlight once held by Michael Hutchence, who died in 1997. His first single with INXS, Pretty Vegas, became a hit and marked the beginning of a whirlwind chapter.
Life Before the Fame
Before his rise, Fortune had worked a string of jobs, from driving trucks to serving briefly in the Canadian army. He also performed in touring music productions, where he occasionally sang Elvis Presley songs, though he resists being labeled an impersonator. His deep connection to music, especially INXS, dated back to his childhood when he hung their album cover on his wall.
Inside the Rock Star Journey
The television competition was grueling, with contestants living under 24-hour cameras and constant pressure. Fortune’s standout moment came when he wrote the lyrics to Pretty Vegas, impressing the band and securing his place as a frontrunner. By November 2005, INXS released Switch, recorded with Fortune, launching him into global tours.
A Return to Roots
Fortune fronted INXS until 2011, performing hundreds of shows worldwide. After stepping away, he returned to Nova Scotia to focus on family, friends, and a quieter lifestyle. Now based in Pictou County, he spends mornings at the gym and continues writing and performing music.
What Comes Next
Two decades after his breakthrough, Fortune is preparing to release a new album and book in 2026. He is also set to tour Australia next month, with Canadian and U.S. dates to follow. Despite the ups and downs, he remains proud of his journey—especially the music he co-wrote with INXS.
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