Constantine Maroulis - Solo Career

Solo Career

In November and December 2005, Maroulis performed solo shows in Manila, Philippines and New Jersey, USA. His set list included songs he had performed previously in his theatre roles, from such productions as Hedwig and the Angry Inch Rent, and Jesus Christ Superstar, as well as from his stint on American Idol. In August 2006, Constantine completed a solo tour of 13 cities, where he debuted material to be featured on his upcoming CD, including various self-penned compositions.

Maroulis created his own independent label, Sixth Place Records, a branch of Sixth Place Productions, which released his 2-years-in-the-making solo album, Constantine on August 7, 2007. Maroulis' self-titled CD consisted of 12 tracks, and debuted at number 75 on the Billboard charts.

Maroulis sang the National Anthem when he played at the Reality All-Star Soccer Festival (organized by Survivor: Africa winner, Ethan Zohn) in April 2007, as well as before the start of a 49ers/Bengels football game at Monster Stadium, San Francisco in December 2007. The performance, broadcast nationally on the NFL Network, was hailed by commentator Bryant Gumbel as "a stirring performance." Maroulis has also performed the Anthem at various other major sporting events, including Madison Square Garden in April 2009, and he performed God Bless America at the 2009 Men's U.S. Open. On July 4, 2009, Maroulis sang the National Anthem at the official ceremonies to re-open the Statue of Liberty's crown to the public, for the first time since its closure after 9/11.

Maroulis (supported by Ben Phillips, guitarist/vocalist for the NYC-based bands Famous and The Pretty Reckless) embarked on another solo tour in February 2008, playing to sold-out venues in various cities including Boston, Philadelphia, New York, Annapolis, and Hollywood, California. On June 22 he performed at Mattison Park in Asbury Park, NJ as part of the 3rd Annual Wave Gathering featuring 175 Emerging Musical Artists.

On October 24, 2008 Maroulis appeared on an episode of Don't Forget the Lyrics! as a contestant. As a result of his appearance on the show, $25,000 was given to the charitable organization Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

In September 2009, Maroulis launched his "A Night at the Rock Show" series of sold-out solo shows in New York City, featuring "Constantine's unique interpretations of some of the greatest rock songs of all time," and backed by an all-star band.

Maroulis returned to the Idol stage to perform on April 7, 2011, where he debuted his single, Unchained Melody. At the same time he also released his rendition of Chicago's 25 or 6 to 4, as recorded live at a Night at the Rock Show performance.

Maroulis has been a regular contributor to the Loukoumi series of children's books by author Nick Katsouris, providing the voice of Gus the Bear. In July 2011, he joined forces with Disney/Fisher-Price to become spokesman for their latest interactive plush toy, Rock Star Mickey. In conjunction with this project, Maroulis released a new single, an updated version of the Kinks' classic You Really Got Me.