Vicki Abelson's Broadcast: The Road Taken

Hot, hot, hot, and it t'weren't global warming. Actor, producer, singer, songwriter, Constantine Maroulis, who rocketed to stardom on American Idol (I met him in the green room at his first appearance on The Tonight Show that season), filled us in on the before, during, and after, even singing us a bit of his audition for Simon & company. Always passionate, fun, and full of energy, Constantine gave us the skinny of growing up with a talented older brother (and sister), playing sports, doing theatre, and fronting a band, wanting and doing it all. Before Idol fame, he'd already gotten his Equity card and toured with Rent. Humble ending there led to the life-changing opportunity that he seized big time. Such great insights into the behind-the-scenes. His premature departure (placing 6th) was all part of his master plan in a way, he used being an underdog to his advantage anyway. In a big way. Starring on Broadway in Rock of Ages and garnering a Tony Award, followed - as well as more Broadway, playing and rec