‘American Idol’ comes to town

Filipinos are known to closely follow American Idol, the popular US television show devoted to budding singers. They loved it when Hawaiian-born Pinay Jasmine Trias made it to the final three a few years back. And quite a few of them were thrilled when Constantine Maroulis, the singer best known for his rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody" on the high-rated reality show, made a stop in Manila.

Maroulis is currently in Manila to perform three concerts at Ayala Mall, starting on Nov. 17 at Ayala Greenbelt in Makati City. Invited by Ayala to switch on the Christmas tree at the Greenbelt 3 lobby, the native New Yorker was clearly thrilled, saying: "In New York, it’s such an honor to light the Christmas tree. I’m incredibly flattered to be doing it here."

It’s his first trip to the Philippines, but not to Asia. "I went to Japan a little more than a year ago to perform in Rent while we were on tour," he explained, his tousled shoulder-length hair framing his boyish face. Dressed in a black T-shirt emblazoned with "Rock Royalty," the down-to-earth singer was eager to compliment his host country. "It’s paradise," he said. "Just an incredible country. The people are very kind and spirited and really generous."

Maroulis grew up Greek orthodox in Brooklyn, known for its thriving ethnic mix of communities, some of which were Filipino-American. "I know a lot of kids in the US that are from the Philippines or of Philippine descent," he told the media yesterday. He’s found favor with Pinoy fans who made him a "texter’s choice" on Starworld, the cable channel that shows Idol in Asia.

A classically trained singer — he majored in singing and acting at the Boston Conservatory — he’s currently working on an ABC sitcom, hoping to star in a series he calls a cross between "Everybody Loves Raymond" and "Cheers." "Gramnet Productions, which is Kelsey Grammer’s production company at Paramount, approached me about making a television show. They just liked what I did and my personality."

Perhaps best known for his show-stopping rendition of Queen’s "Bohemian Rhapsody" last season, Maroulis was one of the few Idol contestants to get a "storyline" during the fourth season’s early audition episodes. He sang Aerosmith’s "Crying" for his initial audition in front of the judges. In a later segment, Idol host Ryan Seacrest showed up at the rehearsal space of Maroulis’ band, Pray for the Soul of Betty. The Hollywood audition episodes earned him a loyal fan base before the semi-finals started. When he joined the final 24, Idol judge Randy Jackson said he was glad a "rocker" had made it on "American Idol."

Maroulis soon proved he was capable of more than just belting out rock classics. His first semi-finals song was Seal’s "Kiss From a Rose," a staple for auditions in the theater circuit.

His Boston Conservatory training and musical theater experience became more evident in the finals. He performed the Partridge Family’s "I Think I Love You" with an unexpected earnestness that seemed to salute the teen idols of the past. His gutsy rendition of the notoriously difficult "Bohemian Rhapsody" brought the house down and earned him accolades from Queen guitarist Brian May.

After touring with fellow Idol finalists during the summer, Maroulis began working on his solo record, as well as a single on the recently debuted "Killer Queen," a Queen tribute album that features the likes of Joss Stone and Jason Mraz.

"It was awesome," he says of his experience covering "Bohemian Rhapsody" for the Queen tribute album. "To step into those shoes even for a brief moment is the highest honor for me because Freddie Mercury (of Queen) is someone that I grew up idolizing as a songwriter, vocalist and performer. If I could achieve even a fraction of his success and charisma, I’d be a very lucky man."

Though another band had already recorded "Bohemian Rhapsody" for the record, his Idol performance made his version a must for the producers. "(The version) done by the Flaming Lips was sort of artsy and very different. They wanted something more true to the original," Maroulis said. True enough, his version is currently the featured song on the record. "Which is cool," he added with a chuckle.

His stint on Idol and solo performances post-show have only made him hungrier. "Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always wanted to do this. I’ve been singing my whole life." Now that he’s had more than a taste of fame, Maroulis isn’t shy about wanting more. "Listen, I come from a hardworking family and I finally have a bit of payoff. Now I have some opportunities. I feel like I deserve them," he said. "I think hard work pays off. It’s nice to go out and enjoy yourself and have people take your picture. I’m not going to lie — it’s cool, it’s a good time."

Today, the singer is just happy to be in the limelight and is eager for more opportunities and challenges. "It’s extraordinary how (Idol) affects so many people worldwide," he said. "I’m just glad to be here and flattered that you all wanted me here."

Constantine Maroulis will be performing at Ayala Greenbelt on Nov. 17 at 8 p.m., Alabang Town Center on Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. and Ayala Center Cebu on Nov. 19 at 8 p.m.