Constantine Maroulis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Constantine Maroulis
Constantine Maroulis in May 2015
Background information
Birth name	Constantine James Maroulis
Born	(1975-09-17) September 17, 1975 (age 49) Brooklyn, New York, United States
Genres	Rock
Occupation(s)	Musician, actor
Years active	2003–present
Labels	6th place Records

Constantine James Maroulis (born September 17, 1975) is an American actor and rock singer. He became famous after appearing on the TV show American Idol. He finished in sixth place during the fourth season. Constantine is also well-known for his roles in Broadway musicals. He was nominated for a Tony Award for his part in Rock of Ages. He also played the main character in Jekyll and Hyde on Broadway.

Growing Up and Early Career

Constantine Maroulis was born in Brooklyn, New York. His parents were Greek American, and his grandparents came to the United States from Greece in the 1920s. He grew up following the Greek Orthodoxy religion and can speak Greek. His older brother, Athan Maroulis, is a music producer. His sister, Anastacia, is a school principal.

When Constantine was five, his family moved to Wyckoff, New Jersey. He became interested in music there, just like his older brother. By age eleven, he was learning to play the trumpet. In high school, he sang in local bands like Lady Rain and Milkbone. He graduated from Ramapo High School in 1993.

Constantine then studied Music Theater at Boston Conservatory. He appeared in a musical called Suburban Dreams. Before American Idol, he was on a dating show called Elimidate. He also appeared as an extra in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and did voice-over work for Astro Boy. He performed in many plays outside of Broadway. After college, he trained at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. He also played Roger Davis in a touring production of the musical Rent. Because he didn't have an agent at the time, he was allowed to try out for American Idol.

American Idol Journey

In August 2004, Constantine decided to audition for the fourth season of American Idol. The show changed its rules that year, allowing contestants up to age 28. This helped Constantine and another contestant, Bo Bice, join the show. They were also among the first to perform rock music on Idol.

On April 27, 2005, Constantine was voted off American Idol. This happened after he sang "How You Remind Me" by Nickelback. Before he left the show, his band, Pray for the Soul of Betty, released their first album.

Constantine's performance of "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen earned him high praise from the judges. Queen's guitarist, Brian May, even invited him to record a studio version of the song. This version was released on a tribute album called Killer Queen: A Tribute to Queen.

Constantine's American Idol Performances

Music Career

Constantine became the lead singer for the band Pray for the Soul of Betty in 2003. The band became more well-known after he appeared on American Idol. In March 2006, after three years, Constantine left the band due to creative differences.

Solo Music and Performances

After American Idol, Constantine started performing solo shows. In 2005, he performed in Manila, Philippines, and New Jersey, USA. He sang songs from his theater roles and from American Idol. In August 2006, he went on a 13-city solo tour. He introduced new songs that would be on his first solo album.

Constantine started his own music label called Sixth Place Records. On August 7, 2007, he released his self-titled solo album, Constantine. The album had 12 songs and reached number 75 on the Billboard charts.

Constantine has sung "The Star-Spangled Banner" at many big events. He sang it for the New York Yankees Opening Day in 2013. He also performed it at a 49ers football game in 2007. In 2009, he sang the National Anthem at the re-opening of the Statue of Liberty's crown.

In February 2008, Constantine went on another solo tour, playing to sold-out crowds. In October 2008, he appeared on the TV show Don't Forget the Lyrics!. He won $25,000 for the charity Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

In September 2009, he started his "A Night at the Rock Show" series. These were sold-out shows in New York City where he sang rock songs with an all-star band. He returned to American Idol in April 2011 to perform his new song, "Unchained Melody". He also released his live version of Chicago's "25 or 6 to 4".

Constantine has also contributed to children's books. He voices Gus the Bear in the Loukoumi book series. In July 2011, he became a spokesman for Disney/Fisher-Price's Rock Star Mickey toy. For this, he released a new version of "You Really Got Me" by The Kinks.

He often performed with the 1980s tribute band Jessie's Girl. In 2015, he recorded "Close My Eyes Forever" with the band SYKA. He also took part in the Rock in Rio festival in Rio de Janeiro. Constantine also started a production company called MarKolTop Productions.

In 2016, Constantine released two new songs, "Here I Come" and "She's Just Rock'n'Roll". He returned to American Idol for its final season in February 2016. He mentored contestants and performed "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "My Funny Valentine". At the season finale, he joined other former Idol contestants for a rock medley.

In 2018, Constantine performed concerts with Scott Bradlee's band Postmodern Jukebox. He also joined the rock band Adler's Appetite, formed by Guns n'Roses' original drummer, Steven Adler. He toured with them in Australia.

Acting Career

In 2005, there were talks for Constantine to star in a TV show called Brooklyn. It was going to be based on his life growing up in a Greek-American family. However, the show did not go forward.

Constantine Maroulis during The Wedding Singer.

In September 2006, Constantine joined the cast of the Broadway musical The Wedding Singer. He played the role of Sammy. He also helped record a song for a charity CD to raise money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

In 2007, Constantine played "Young Soldier" in an Off-Broadway musical. He also became an American Idol expert for Good Day New York and Yahoo! Buzz. Later that year, he joined the cast of The Bold and the Beautiful. He played Constantine Parros, a singer and record producer, a role created just for him.

In March 2008, Constantine became a co-host for American Idol Extra. In June, he starred as Judas Iscariot in Jesus Christ Superstar. He had played Jesus in an earlier production when he was younger.

Constantine Maroulis and the Rock of Ages cast backstage with Kevin Cronin.

Constantine had great success starring as Drew in the Broadway musical Rock of Ages. The show features music from 1980s rock bands like Journey and Bon Jovi. The musical started Off-Broadway in October 2008 and moved to Broadway in April 2009. Rolling Stone magazine said he was the "perfect lead" for the play. Critics praised his singing, calling his voice "soulful, pure, and intense." On May 5, 2009, Constantine was nominated for a Tony Award for his performance. He then headlined the national tour of Rock of Ages. He also had a small role as a record producer in the movie version of Rock of Ages in 2012.

In 2012, Constantine hosted a new show called Unofficial Idol Forum. He interviewed Idol contestants and talked with fans online.

In autumn 2012, Constantine took on the main roles in Jekyll and Hyde. He starred with Deborah Cox. The show toured for 25 weeks before opening on Broadway in April 2013. The New York Times said he handled the music with skill. They also praised his "quietly intense performance" as Dr. Jekyll. For this role, he received a Drama League Award Nomination.

Constantine has also appeared on TV shows like Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Z Rock, Unforgettable, and Madam Secretary.

In July 2014, it was announced that Constantine would return to Rock of Ages as Drew. His return was extended until the show's final performance on Broadway in January 2015. In 2015, he was in a commercial for La-Z-Boy furniture.

In spring 2016, Constantine played Nate in a play called Friend Art. In March 2017, he joined the cast of The Most Beautiful Room in New York. He played Judas Iscariot again in Jesus Christ Superstar in June 2017. That summer, he played Che in Evita. He also played Robert Moses in the musical Bulldozer: The Ballad of Robert Moses in November 2017. He reprised his role in Jekyll and Hyde in 2018.

In 2019, he played The Wolf and Cinderella's Prince in Into the Woods. In 2023, he played Alan Freed in an Off-Broadway show called Rock and Roll Man. In 2024, Constantine starred in a new musical called East Carson Street.

Awards and Recognition

In 2007, Constantine received the Hellenic Times Scholarship Fund's Humanitarian Award. This award recognizes achievements in the Greek-American community. He also received an award from the New York City Comptroller for his leadership in the Greek Community.

For his role in Rock of Ages, Constantine was nominated for a Tony Award. He also received a Drama League Award Nomination for this role.

Inside Broadway, an educational organization, gave Constantine a Broadway Beacon Award in June 2009. This award recognizes people who support theater and arts education for young people.

On July 1, 2009, Constantine and the cast of Rock of Ages set a new Guinness World Record. They had the Largest Air Guitar Ensemble with 810 people playing air guitar at the same time.

Broadway.com chose Constantine as their "Broadway Star of the Year" for 2009. He received over 25,000 votes from fans. In March 2010, Constantine was honored with a caricature at Sardi's, a famous New York City restaurant. He also joined the Broadway Wall of Fame at Tony's di Napoli. The New York City Council honored him in April 2010 for his achievements.

The Greek America Foundation selected Constantine as one of their "Forty Under 40" winners in 2010. This award recognizes young Greek Americans who are leaders. In June 2011, he received a Gabby Award for Performing Arts. This award honors outstanding achievements in the Greek community. He also received the 2011 Spotlight Award from the Elios Society.

In 2013, Constantine received another Drama League Award Nomination for his performance in Jekyll and Hyde. In January 2015, he received the first-ever Loukoumi "Make a Difference" Award. This award recognized his contributions to entertainment and his efforts to inspire children.

Personal Life

Constantine Maroulis has a daughter, Malena James Reed-Maroulis, born on December 23, 2010. Her mother is Angel Reed, who was also in Rock of Ages.

Discography

Albums

Singles

• 2005: "My Funny Valentine" on American Idol Season 4: The Showstoppers
• 2005: "Bohemian Rhapsody" on Killer Queen: A Tribute to Queen
• 2006: "Hanukkah Song" on Broadway's Greatest Gifts: Carols For A Cure Vol. 8
• 2009: "I'll Be Home for Christmas/Christmas in America" (duet with Orfeh) on New York City Christmas: A Benefit Album for ASTEP
• 2011: "Unchained Melody" (released as single)
• 2011: "25 or 6 to 4" (released as single)
• 2011: "You Really Got Me" (released as single)
• 2011: "Down Flew the Doves" (with Tim Prottey-Jones) on Surrounded by the Sounds
• 2015: "All I Ask" from Kittens in a Cage (video series)
• 2015: "Close My Eyes Forever" (with SYKA) on Stay Wild
• 2016: "Here I Come"
• 2016: "She's Just Rock 'n' Roll"
• 2017: "All About You"
• 2018: "All About You" (acoustic version)
• 2023: "Daydream"
• 2023: "Comeback"

Other releases

• 2007: Growing Up With Loukoumi as Gus The Bear
• 2009: Loukoumi's Good Deeds as Gus The Bear
• 2009: Rock of Ages: Original Broadway Cast Recording
• 2009: Loukoumi's Gift as Gus The Bear
• 2012: Rock of Ages: Motion Picture Soundtrack
• 2012: Jekyll and Hyde: 2012 Concept Recording
• 2013: Loukoumi and the Schoolyard Bully as Gus The Bear
• 2016: Welcome to Our Christmas Party (with Band of Merrymakers)