Constantine Maroulis appeared as a finalist on the reality television show American Idol during the show's 2005 season. A 2002 graduate of the Boston Conservatory[1], Maroulis is a Greek-American from New York City and makes a living singing, acting, and writing, including appearing in the national tour of the Broadway show Rent, playing the role of "Roger Davis." He is also the lead singer of the rock band Pray for the Soul of Betty. Contrary to what was portrayed on the reality TV series, he did not quit his band, only took a temporary leave of absence to join American Idol, and returned after he was voted off. His rendition of the Queen classic "Bohemian Rhapsody" earned him the praise of judges, including Simon Cowell. The performance helped him land a spot on the band's 30th anniversary tribute album, "Killer Queen." Reports vary as to whether Queen guitarist Brian May invited Maroulis to contribute his version of "Bohemian Rhapsody" to the set or if Maroulis' people contacted the album's producers and requested a slot.

In August 2001, Maroulis played Hedwig in the off-Broadway musical theater play Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Other notable theatrical performances include roles in Tango 'til They're Sore (Oleg), Macbeth (Malcolm), Jesus Christ Superstar (Judas, Jesus).

On October 12, 2001, Maroulis appeared in the Law and Order: Special Victims Unit episode, Stolen[2] (Season 3, Episode 46). He has also appeared in several independent films (i.e, The Strangler's Wife) and provided the voice of Mechanic #1 in Warner Brother's Japanese animated series, AstroBoy. He was also the winning contestant on the dating show Elimidate on location in Boston before he auditioned for American Idol.

On April 27, 2005, Maroulis was voted off American Idol after he performed Nickelback's "How You Remind Me" during 2000's music week. His sixth-place ouster caused much shock and outrage from fans and is noted as having made Paula Abdul cry.

On May 10, 2005, Pray for the Soul of Betty, through a distribution deal made with Koch Entertainment[3], released their self-produced and self-titled CD on their own label, Baby Julius Productions. Maroulis can also be heard on the American Idol Season 4: The Showstoppers CD singing "My Funny Valentine", a performance which earned high praise during Musicals theme week.

On August 9, 2005, Maroulis' version of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" is the first single from the Killer Queen tribute album (Hollywood Records[4]).

Credit: en.wikipedia.org