Report: And the New Singer for Stone Temple Pilots is…

UPDATE, 12:21pm EST: Stone Temple Pilots have released an official statement through Entertainment Weekly saying they haven’t made a decision yet:

“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.”

We’ll see how this shakes out.

Original Post:

… one-time The X Factor contestant Jeff Gutt. (pronounced “Goot”)

So reports Entertainment Tonight, who claim the singer — who appeared on season three of the American Idol-like TV show The X Factor (in 2013 — and briefly in season two in 2012) and now goes by his full name Jeffrey Adam Gutt — has been working with the three members of Stone Temple Pilots for months now on new material, and rehearsals began this week.

Stone Temple Pilots had launched an open audition this past April to replace Scott Weiland, who died almost one year ago. It’s not clear whether Gutt got the job through that process or other connections.

That’s all we’ve got for now.

Here are some clips of Gutt performing songs on The X Factor. Certainly seems like his voice is within Weiland’s range, he’s clearly a rock guy, and he’s got pipes, no doubt… but man, I just can’t imagine caring that much about STP with anyone but Scott on the mic. Prove me wrong, Jeff.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxardTOk-M8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ko-tk8qkJPQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-rpTakIllg

[via Blabbermouth]