The cast of Broadway’s Rock of Ages have reason to break out the Aqua Net and Long Island Iced Teas tonight: The 1980s rock spectacular garnered a whopping five Tony nominations today. But the musical’s nominated star, Constantine Maroulis, is staying humble amid all the accolades. "[I was] very surprised," Maroulis, the first American Idol alum ever to nab a Tony nom, tells EW. "I [popped] up around 8:33 or so this morning to turn on the TV, and they were on my category right there. And sure enough, they mentioned my name. It’s very surreal."
Perhaps more surreal for Maroulis is the mainstream success of the hair-metal-centric musical. The actor, who starred in the Off Broadway version as well, says he remembers discussing the play in its early form four years ago in an L.A. bar (he wasn’t able to appear in Rock‘s early variations, due to his post-Idol obligations). And Rock is poised to get even an bigger audience: Rights to the musical were optioned by New Line in December. Maroulis, however, isn’t ready to write his Oscar speech just yet. "I’m not a movie star," he says. "I’ll probably sing the track for Zac Efron or something and he’ll play the role. I’ll pull a Natalie Wood, where I just get to sing the track for him."
Beast Please; Zac doesn’t need your vocals Maroulis.
Of course, if that happened, Maroulis wouldn’t be pulling a Natalie Wood — he’d be pulling a Marni Nixon.
Holy c-r-a-p! I’ve adored Constantine since he brought his Broadway schtick to Idol. (He was the first “Glambert.”) I’m so happy to see him achieve such success, and am crossing my fingers for him to take home the award.
SO happy for him! He’s worked non-stop since Idol. I couldn’t be happier for his success!
And, true — he paved the way for the Lamberts of the world on Idol! Rock+theater=the best!
I still maintain that Constantine’s performance of “Bohemian Rhapsody” ranks with Kelly C.’s “Stuff Like That…” and Clay A.’s “Solitaire” as one of the three ALL-TIME BEST AI PERFORMANCES.
Very well deserved.
Constantine is great in ROA & he & the show both deserve the honors. It’s a wonderful FUN BW experience!
Why is that when I read comments written about Constantine, I feel that these people don’t see the “real deal” in Constantine!! Is it because he was on American Idol and didn’t win? Is it that he CAN sing and act? I agree with Cardagal, that Constantine’s performance of “Bohemian Rhapsody” ranks up there as one of the ALL-TIME BEST AI PERFORMANCES of all time. I guess these people is just plain jealous of Constantine’s success and can’t take that. Just my opinion. You go Constantine!!
Jack Green Wed, May 6, 2009 at 09:27 AM EST
Congrats to Constantine! He can sing AND act. He is one of the best non winners who ever graced their presence on Idol. He should be very proud and I wish him luck. I will always be a fan of his, no matter what he pursues.
Okay, Constantine has the analogy *almost* right, but reversed. In reality, Zac Efron would be Natalie Wood while he’d be celebrated song-dubber Marni Nixon.
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– Rob
Can’t remember Clay’s Solitaire or Constantine’s Bohemian Rhapsody, but do remember most of what Lambert has done this year especially Mad World. And wasn’t Maroulis dismissed as belonging on Broadway by the judges? Guess they were right, eh?!
i loved constantine ever since idol i saw him in rock of ages three times and i think he is great and very talented.
Congats–to constantine–my daughter and I have been avid fans of him since AI—Constatanine devserves evert bit of this success!!! Very Very talented Man!!! God bless Constantine
Congatulations–you slways have deserved the best eve since you were Eliminated off AI way too early and shocked millions of people–You were and am a very talented Man–God Bless–Broadwaymom