by Mike Schnitzel
The show pits contestants against each other to determine who the best performer is. That performer wins the right to record with a band composed of Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee, former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted, and former Guns N' Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke.
Gioia has been singing professionally for years, touring the area and trying to make a name for herself. "I've been on some of the hardest tours," said Gioia in a recent interview, "being in a different city every night, playing show after show."
The 33-year-old Valley Streamer has received some local exposure, and hopes her appearance on the network show will help enhance her reputation. At one point, her song "He's My Bitch" was receiving regular airplay on WLIR 92.7 FM. She also appeared on Fox 5's "Good Day New York" program, and the radio show Ron and Fez when it was on 102.7 WNEW-FM. She also performed with the band Third Eye Blind on an episode of the Late Show with David Letterman.
Gioia became a blip on the pop culture radar when fashion designer Steve Madden named the Jill Joy boot after her when she won the first Steve Madden "Rock n' Sole Band Search Contest" in 2000.
She has been known to describe her music as gritty and earthy, a quality many people have applied to her own personality. In a recent interview with the Web site Rockband.com, she described her personal musical philosophy.
"I think that as you grow as a person and experience things, your music takes on that same personality," said Gioia. "As I was learning from life's experiences the songs reflected that."
Will Gioia be the winner among the 15 contestants on "Rockstar"? Interested parties will have to check out the show on CBS 2 to find that out. The show airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. and Wednesdays at 8 p.m. To find out more about Gioia and her music, you can visit her Web site at www.jillgioia.com.
Comments about this story? Mschnitzel@liherald.com or (516)569-4000 ext. 265.
