A former contestant on The X Factor is strongly rumoured to be the new frontman of Stone Temple Pilots. Jeff Gutt, who currently fronts the band Rival City, was a runner-up on season 3 of the US iteration of the reality singing show and has reportedly auditioned for the frontman position in STP.
Stone Temple Pilots intend to carry on as a group following the death of iconic frontman Scott Weiland, who was not officially a member of the group when he passed away last year. Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington had served as vocalist from 2013 until his departure in 2015, citing an overloaded schedule.
As Billboard reports, Stone Temple Pilots have put out an open call to vocalists who want to fill the shoes once occupied by Weiland, widely regarded as one of the best frontmen of all time despite his well-documented troubles with substance abuse, and Bennington.
Reports indicate Gutt auditioned for the band earlier this year and a source has confirmed to Billboard that the singer will be performing with the group this Saturday night during a private show. Meanwhile, Entertainment Tonight reports Gutt and STP have been rehearsing in Hollywood this week and the band is expected to tour next year.
Whilst the band have not flat out denied that Gutt will be fronting the beloved group, a representative for the band told Entertainment Tonight that the band “has been rehearsing with several singers over the past few weeks” and that the members “haven’t made a decision yet”.
