UPDATE: “The band has been rehearsing with several singers over the past few weeks,” a rep for Stone Temple Pilots tells EW in a statement. “They haven’t made a decision yet.”
After months of John Borja claiming he is likely to be Stone Temple Pilots’ new singer, NBC 9 News/ET are now claiming STP have hired a singer from X-Factor. Below is the report.
The band has tapped X Factor season three runner-up Jeff Gutt — who now goes by his full name, Jeffrey Adam Gutt — as its new lead singer, ET has learned. Gutt has been working with band members Dean DeLeo, Robert DeLeo and Eric Kretz for the past few months, writing and recording new material in Redondo Beach, California.
A source tells ET that Gutt and the band members have officially begun rehearsals in Hollywood this week, and are expected to tour next year. They are expected to perform classic STP hits, along with new songs.
Gutt was mentored by Kelly Rowland during his X Factor stint in 2013, though he continuously impressed judges Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato and Paulina Rubio with his powerhouse covers of songs like “Creep,” “Dream On,” and “Hallelujah.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOxVMT6vxeg
John Borja, who has auditioned for Stone Temple Pilots’ vacant lead singer job, has hinted on Twitter that an ‘announcement’ is coming soon, and said he can’t wait to see his ‘brother’ Robert DeLeo again.
John Borja, a Filipino singer who is rumored to be in consideration for Stone Temple Pilots’ lead singer job, performed at a Filipino restaurant/bar in Los Angeles called Kalye Hits in September. He performed STP’s “Dead and Bloated,” “Plush,” and “Interstate Love Song.” He also covered Velvet Revolver’s “Slither” and Collective Soul’s “Shine.”
In September, Borja arrived in Los Angeles and was photographed with STP bassist Robert DeLeo following a Delta Deep concert.
“As of now I can’t give the full details yet, but there are clues or hints that seem to be favorable to me.”
“Let’s wait for them to give the official announcement.”
He added, “I respect the guys’ decision, whatever it is. It would be my honor to play music with them.”
He also discussed the band’s legendary late frontman Scott Weiland, “[Weiland] is irreplaceable. No doubt about it, but I think I can carry his legacy through my personality, despite being Filipino.”
He also discussed the sound he would bring to the band, “More melodic and powerful, that’s the kind of voice I can provide to STP.”
He said if he gets the gig, he expects to go back home to the Philippines first.
“I will take care of my family’s needs first, as they have always been supportive of my career. I might bring them to the U.S. if given the chance.”
