BRANDON ROGERS

STRATEGIC INITIATIVE Handsome backup dude's attempts to riff on the melodies of ''Rock With You'' and ''I Just Want to Celebrate'' have made a strong case for the mute button. Where's the smooth, powerful singer we saw in the audition round?

FROCK U With his selection of white leather belts, cropped '80s jackets, and pink T-shirts, Brandon dresses more like a stunt double for Miami Vice's Tubbs than a future music superstar.

REQUEST LIST The Commodores' ''Brick House,'' Jody Watley's ''I'm Looking for a New Love''