A few weeks ago, GTB told me we had to check out the new show Rockstar: Supernova. I’m not a reality TV fan (though I have made completely understandable exceptions for shows like Temptation Island 1, the Biggest Loser, and the occasional Girls Next Door). So I wasn’t all that excited at the prospect of watching it. Especially given that it had Tommy Lee, Jason Whatever from Metallica, and Dave Electra, all three of whom kinda make me wanna scratch my eyes out.

Once GTB explained his reasons for wanting to watch, I grew even more skeptical. Turns out, one of the contestants is some girl from Portland. He told me all about the venue she usually plays in and how she’s a Portland legend. Her name is Storm Large. She plays with a band called the Balls. Blah blah blah. Then I saw her picture. Um, yeah. That’s when I started really understanding his motives.

So we watched some of the first episode. Much to GTB’s despair, we missed Storm’s performance, but caught the occasional glimpse of her as the cameras panned the contestants’ eager and tense faces during their competitors’ performances. When the show was over and it was time to vote, GTB hopped up, got on his computer and exercised his democratic right in favor of Miss Large.

We haven’t been avid watchers since that first episode, but that doesn’t stop GTB from talking about her regularly. I have to admit, it was starting to bug me a bit. I mean, I’m not even a little insecure when it comes to GTB, but JESUS, SHUT THE FUCK UP ABOUT THE HOT GIRL ALREADY!

So Tuesday night, we tuned in for week four of the series. This time, we got to see Storm sing “Anything, Anything” by Dramarama. About twelve seconds into the song, I said, “Crap, she can sing!” This particular performance was capped off with a perfect stage dive. A monumentally cool move not only because stage diving is now so retro as to be a bit kitsch, but also because the girl is at least six feet tall. Trusting a studio audience of (probably paid) wannabe rockers to catch you when you probably outweigh most of the skinny boys who comprise it is quite the leap of faith. Not to mention the fact that she was wearing a skirt shorter than my high school cheerleading uniform (and I doubt she was wearing spankies).

When the show was over, GTB jumped up and said, “Listen to this.” He opened his iTunes and played a Cheap Trick cover. At her first note, I knew it was Storm singing. As I listened, I simmered, thinking, “Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know you LOVE her. I wonder if this obsession last all summer?”

Like all elimination-by-national-vote reality shows, Rockstar plays two nights in a row. The first night is all the performances. The second night is for publicly ridiculing the three singers who finished in last place and to give them one last chance to redeem themselves before the aging rock stars send one packing. It’s also an opportunity for Supernova to ask the singer who gave the best performance the night before to show his or her stuff again. Last night, they invited Storm to sing an encore of Dramarama. No stage dive this time, but it was still pretty awesome.

By the time her performance was over, quite in spite of myself, I had fallen head over heels. She’s gonna win. She’s that good. She’s the only one who looks really natural on stage. She’s got the best voice. She’s got the most presence. Her only real competition is Dilana. And you know what, I kinda hope Dilana wins it. But only because I want Storm to come back to Portland so I can go watch her anytime I want.

Who’s obsessed now? GTB may LOVE her, but he’s gonna have to get in line behind me.

Rockstar: Supernova

UPDATE: Oh sweet mother Mary, I just found Storm and the Balls’ Myspace page.

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