N.S. native J.D. Fortune reflects on 20 years since Rock Star: INXS
It’s been 16 years since J.D. Fortune won the hearts of fans and the title of lead singer for INXS on the reality television show Rock Star. But for the Nova Scotia native, the journey to stardom was far from glamorous.
In 2005, Fortune found himself living in his car in Toronto with his pug, Presley, when he heard about auditions for the show. Determined to make his mark, Fortune auditioned and eventually emerged as the winner, fulfilling a lifelong dream of performing on stage.
Since his win, Fortune has been working on a new album and a book, both of which he plans to release next year. Despite his success, Fortune leads a quiet life in Pictou County, focusing on his music and regular trips to the gym.
Next month, Fortune will be heading to Australia for a series of shows, with plans to announce additional shows in Canada and the U.S. in the future.
Before his rise to fame on Rock Star: INXS, Fortune had played in various bands and held a variety of jobs, including driving a tractor-trailer and a brief stint in the Canadian army. While CBS referred to him as an Elvis impersonator, Fortune clarified that he performed with touring companies that played music from the 1950s to the 1970s, where he sang some Elvis tunes.
Despite the challenges he faced, Fortune’s talent and determination shone through on the show, leading to his eventual victory. His lyrics for the song Pretty Vegas showcased his musical abilities and caught the attention of the band members, ultimately solidifying his place as the new lead singer of INXS.
Today, Fortune continues to captivate audiences with his performances, playing both INXS songs and his original music. His journey from living in a car to sharing the stage with a legendary band is a testament to his perseverance and passion for music.
After the show, the tension was still lingering for J.D. Fortune, winner of the reality show that landed him a spot as the lead singer of INXS. The chorus of his hit song “Pretty Vegas” was a subtle reference to a confrontation he had with some of the other contestants during the season.
Reflecting on his time on the show, Fortune described it as an intense experience. “The volume is on 10 when you’re in that kind of pressure-cooker situation, when you’re on a reality show where there’s 15 cameras around you following you 24/7, like, everything is heightened,” he said. “Your nerves are heightened, your emotions are heightened.”
After being crowned the winner, Fortune dove straight into recording the album “Switch” with INXS. “Pretty Vegas” was the first single off the album, released on Nov. 29, 2005, just over two months after the show wrapped up.
Tour rehearsals took Fortune to Australia, where he found himself with only the suitcase he had packed for the show in Los Angeles. “I had no downtime to go out and do shopping or to, you know, think about anything,” Fortune recalled. “I just got on an airplane and ended up on the other side of the world in a different country with no family around, no friends.”
Between 2005 and 2011, Fortune toured with INXS, playing countless shows worldwide and keeping up with a grueling schedule. After the band called it quits in 2012, Fortune returned to Nova Scotia to reconnect with his roots and spend time with family and friends.
Despite the end of his time with INXS, Fortune still cherishes the songs he helped write, like “Pretty Vegas.” “It makes me proud every time I’m on stage singing that because I get to say to the audience I wrote this with INXS,” he said. “And, you know, they go, ‘Yahhhh!!!’ It’s great and that’s very fulfilling.”
While his journey with INXS may have come to an end, Fortune’s passion for music and performing continues to drive him forward, creating new opportunities for growth and creativity in the industry. the perspective of a passionate environmentalist advocating for the protection of endangered species:
As an environmentalist, I am deeply concerned about the plight of endangered species around the world. These magnificent creatures are facing extinction due to human activities such as habitat destruction, poaching, and climate change. It is our moral responsibility to protect these animals and ensure that they continue to thrive in their natural habitats.
One of the most pressing issues facing endangered species is habitat loss. Deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture are destroying the homes of countless animals, pushing them to the brink of extinction. Without a suitable habitat, these animals are unable to find food, shelter, and mates, leading to a decline in their populations.
Poaching is another major threat to endangered species. Elephants, rhinos, tigers, and other animals are hunted for their tusks, horns, and skins, driving them closer to extinction. The illegal wildlife trade is a multi-billion dollar industry that fuels organized crime and threatens the survival of some of the world’s most iconic species.
Climate change is also taking a toll on endangered species. Rising temperatures, changing weather patterns, and extreme weather events are disrupting ecosystems and putting additional stress on vulnerable populations. Polar bears, coral reefs, and sea turtles are just a few examples of species that are struggling to adapt to a rapidly changing environment.
It is imperative that we take action to protect endangered species before it is too late. Conservation efforts, such as creating protected areas, enforcing anti-poaching laws, and promoting sustainable practices, can help to safeguard these animals and their habitats. By working together, we can make a difference and ensure a future for these incredible creatures.
As an environmentalist, I urge governments, businesses, and individuals to prioritize the protection of endangered species. We must act now to preserve biodiversity and prevent the loss of species that are essential to the health of our planet. Together, we can make a difference and secure a brighter future for all living beings.
