The third time will not be the charm on tonight's episode of "Rock Star:INXS," as a third Rocker will be told he or she isn't the right singer for the band and will be sent back home. But before the Rockers stand in the Rocker's box to find out who received the three lowest vote totals, a controversy from last night's audition show needs to be aired out. J.D., while talking with INXS after his performance, told the band that the reason he was able to remain so focused is because unlike his fellow rockers -- who he said need to learn INXS's songs -- he has known and loved the songs all his life.

As might be expected, his comments were the main topic of conversation back at the Mansion. MiG said J.D.'s arrogance made him "sick to my stomach." Suzie agreed, adding that it was also untrue. No one wanted to look like they were talking about J.D. behind his back, so when he entered the room, they confronted him.

Brandon seemed the most upset and was way up in J.D.'s face while he talked. Ty and MiG were beside him, looking for an answer, if not an apology. But J.D. was unrepentant. He brushed off their complaints and walked off alone.

At this point, whatever problems they had with J.D. have blown over, as everyone embraces in the Rocker's box and awaits the verdict from the band. Dave sticks up for J.D., telling the Rockers that while everyone is auditioning for a band, J.D. is auditioning for this band. Garry also lets them know that INXS will only take the Rocker's performances into account when choosing a singer. This week, he continues, three of the Rockers deserve special recognition for the risks they took: Suzie, for her gutsy take on The Police's "Roxanne," MiG, for continuing his transition from theatrical singer to Rocker with Aerosmith's "Walk This Way," and, finally, J.D. who, for the second week in a row, reworked his song to suit his performance.

Once the compliments have been handed out, it's time to get to the meat of tonight's show -- finding out who ended up in the bottom three and who is going home. Brooke again has the envelope containing the names of the three lowest vote-getters: Tara, Jessica and Neal. Dave says he's not surprised by the selections and explains what was lacking in their performances. Tara, he says, probably took the rock attitude "a little too far." She's auditioning for INXS, not Led Zeppelin. He also noted that while INXS has no problems with her voice, they wish she would use the stage a little bit more. Neal, on the other hand, has the opposite problem. His stage presence is undisputed, but his vocals are questionable. And Jessica sounded lost in the fog singing Jimi Hendrix's "Purple Haze."

Now they have to convince INXS that they should be allowed to compete another week by performing an INXS song. You've heard the expression sing for your supper? These three are singing for their lives.

First up is Neal. INXS has been trying to get the lanky New York Rocker to explore his melodic side, but he's proved resistant, rarely leaving the comfort zone of his Mick Jagger-styled drawl. To see if he can take direction, he's given the assignment of singing "Suicide Blonde." It's a perfect choice for Neal to strut his stuff. The 1990 Top Ten hit is powered by a wonderfully slinky, bluesy riff -- with its darting harmonica lick, funky beat and propulsive bass line, the song is reminiscent of The Rolling Stones' "Miss You." But Neal doesn't take advantage of the chance to stretch out. Instead, his performance falls back on the same tricks we've seen all season -- fun to watch (you really can't take your eyes off him) -- but vocally suspect.

Tara is next, and she's asked to make her case by singing "Mystify." First heard on INXS's 1987 classic "Kick," it's a great song that's often overshadowed by that album's four Top Ten hit singles. With its galloping piano and smoky dynamics, the song rivals The Doors in sensual atmospherics. It's also a vocal showcase, and Tara, whose shirt looks like a target painted on her chest, runs with it. It's her second time on the firing line, and she's not about to take the hit. To paraphrase the lyrics, she needed perfection from this twisted selection to keep her alive, and she just might have achieved it.

Jessica was given "Don't Change," an ironic choice, considering that a change might just be what she needs to survive. It's the oldest of the three INXS songs heard tonight, from "Shabooh Shoobah," the 1983 album that brought the band its first taste of international stardom. Jessica has trouble with the song's arching melody early on but manages to right herself by the time the song ends, letting INXS know that their "message is heard loud and clear."

Now comes what Tim calls "crunch time." Although all three looked and sounded nervous, a choice still has to be made. Tara's name is called first, and Tim tells her that tonight her performance "wasn't metal and it wasn't country; it was just INXS." She's safe for another week. Tara returns to the Rocker's box, and Neal and Jessica stand waiting for INXS's decision. It's Neal who hears the words none of our Rockers want to hear -- that he's "not right for our band, INXS." The other Rockers are stunned -- their mouths drop open and they look at each other in amazement. Dave tells him that even though he's not going to front INXS, he's a "total star" and will be heard from soon. (It may be sooner than anyone thinks; Neal's band, Bona Roba, has amassed quite a buzz in New York, including raves from The Village Voice and Little Steven Van Zandt. You can check them out at www.bonaroba.net.)

Neal thanks INXS for the chance, but before he goes over to their platform to say his goodbyes, he stops at the Rocker's box to embrace the 12 remaining singers and wish them good luck. With Neal's elimination, it's obvious that anything can happen on "Rock Star:INXS." Don't miss a moment: tune in to Monday's show, and come back here for next week's recaps.

Until then -- keep a-rocking.