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NEW YORK – If Joss Stone (search) isn’t busy, here’s something she could probably win. Janis Joplin’s (search) estate has announced “Search for the Pearl,” (search) a reality TV talent search to find the next Joplin.
The 17-year-old Stone sang “Cry Baby,” then teamed with Melissa Etheridge’s vocals and driving guitar on “Piece of My Heart” in a gritty tribute to Joplin that electrified the audience during Sunday’s Grammy Awards show.
According to a statement, vocalists across the country will audition to recreate the vocal styling of Joplin, who died in 1970 at age 27. Five finalists will be flown to San Francisco to perform for a panel of judges. The selected Janis-a-like will then headline a world concert tour, performing with bands that played with Joplin including Big Brother & The Holding Company, the Kozmic Blues Band and Full Tilt Boogie Band. The tour will culminate in a star-studded tribute concert in 2006.
“We are excited about bringing Janis and her music to her fans and introduce her style and spirit to future fans as well,” Joplin’s brother, Michael Joplin, said Friday in a statement.
The estate also announced that Joplin’s life will be the subject of a biopic starring pop singer Pink and directed by Penelope Spheeris.
“Search for the Pearl” will premiere sometime in 2005. No word on what network might air the show.