As followers of the show know, American Idol finalist and pouty heartthrob Constantine Maroulis took a break from his hard rock band Pray For the Soul of Betty to pursue his solo dreams of pop idolatry on the show.
Now that he is in the final six and appears to have an excellent shot at the title, is it any suprise that enterprising Koch Records has picked up distribution on the self-titled debut CD by Constantine's band? Wisely, Maroulis signed his rights over to the other members of Pray — (Joao Joya - Guitar, C.R. Taylor - Bass, Hamboussi - Drums), a very cosmo NYC unit whose members were born in Greece, Brazil, NYC, and Egypt — so Idol has no claims to their recording, which Koch will release May 10, coincidentaly (or not) the same day the new American Idol 4 collection comes out.
After initial skepticism and concern, the band is now pretty jolly about Constantine's decision to take a shot on the show. "The reason why he's doing American Idol is for the band, not for anything else," drummer Hamboussi told The Associated Press. "(On Idol) he doesn't get the bass drum or the guitar hitting him in the back of the head," Hamboussi said.
For those who have come to associate Maroulis with the wide range of pop performances he has succeeded with on the show, Pray For the Soul of Betty may come as a bit of a shock, sounding very much like classic grunge band Soundgarden. They describe themselves as "Intense, raw energy fused with sex, serious contemplation, and excess ... born out of the belly of NYC," and that is not far off the mark.
The songs are well recorded and rock with authority: check out audio clips from the band's site of "Rich Bitch," "Drift," "Cut the Cord", and a video clip of "Truck Stop Sally" recorded live at the Elbo Room in Chicago in '04.
One fairly large issue: Maroulis will not be able to perform live with the band for the duration of his Idol contract, but hey there are worse problems to have.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Aaman
Very cool - good show for the band!
Don't be too surprised to see a sharing arrangement between American Idol (19 Entertainment) and Koch Records if Constantine's good with the band and has Simon's goodwill
2 - Emily
Constantine is SO HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3 - Eric Olsen
good point Aaman - what does anyone think of the music?
4 - LoriKate
Really enjoyed the article, Eric! The arrival of "Pray for the Soul of Betty" means extra exposure for Constantine, too. And, while, over at AI, competition is heating up like a can of soup over a gas flame, that exposure can't be a bad thing (for Constantine, anyway). :)
5 - Eric Olsen
thanks LoriKate! appreciate your coverage of Idol as well. We are really developing a great group of writers heading into the final weeks.
6 - Sticker
Ruben also had a band, Just a Few Cats, and he solved the AI contract problem by having them audition and then get hired to play behind him on the AI tour. Maybe elsewhere too.
Just a Few Cats has since moved on without Rube and will be soon be releasing their new disc.
7 - Anna
Thanks for the article ... listened to the band, they are awesome! So much for Randy's comment that he's "not convinced about the rocker thing"!!!!
Constantine is the hottest thing to ever hit AI! He's one of the best true artists they've ever had on the show. Love his look and voice!!!!
8 - Eric Olsen
thanks for the info Sticker, didn't know that about Ruben
I like the band too Anna
9 - Judy Yescalis
Allow me to dispel the myth that Constantine is only popular with teenaged girls. I'm a 60 yr old semi-retired high school language/music teacher with a 27 yr old 'rocker' son (who ironically looks a whole lot like Bo), and several of my friends- both male and female- and I LOVE Constantine! He's definitely one AI finalist who is not a one-trick pony; not only is he talented vocally..his training at the Boston Conservatory is evident.. but he's the most versatile singer in the competition and certainly the most exciting performer.
My CD player rocks out with Rush, Queen, GunsNRoses, etc. BUT I'm also a big fan of musical theater, 'popera' (like Andrea Bocelli) and classical music, and this Greek guy is able to win me over each week with his great over-the-edge performances.
GO CONSTANTINE!
10 - Kelly
I have just watch THE American Idol show...and have to say I'm beyond shocked. Can't stop crying! What a horrible thing to have happened and it's just not right. I will never watch Idol again! Really! I'm a grown woman and still think Constantine so rocks over Porkypig and that other little boy who have stayed on the show because people feel SORRY for them. That's MUSSED up! Go Constantine and I'm buying whatever you and Pray...record.
Much LOVE and thanks to Constantine!
11 - Kelly
I'm so upset that I even spelled MESSED up wrong. Idol is MESSED UP MESSED UP MESSED UP!!
12 - cay
omg!!! this is crazy!! why?!!!! constantine's out!!! why do you keep voting for scott??!!!! i love you constantine! you're still the best for me!!! i love you so much!!!
13 - cay
what the f^ck is wrong with america?!!! constantine maroulis is out!!! waaaaaaaaaa...... they keep on voting for that st^pid fat ugly guy!!! that scott!!! he doesn't deserve it he can't sing! can't dance!! nooooooooooooooooo please i'm crying right now.... oh well i know constantine will be famous.. grrrrr i'm soooo angry! i can't eat! i can't sleep!!!
14 - CharlotteNC
Constantine WAS the worst singer on the show. He started out claiming to be some kind of hard-core rocker and followed up with songs from the Bee Gee's and the Partridge Family. I was suprised that Scott beat him but America does like a good underdog.
15 - Jodi Gehret
Hey. My name is Jodi and I am 16. I'm also ENRAGED at everyone who did not vote for Constantine on American Idol. I think that after they have kicked Constantine off, they should take a leaf out of Green Day's book and rename the show American IDIOT. NO ONE EXCEPT CONSTANTINE DESERVES TO WIN. That's my sole opinion. I'm from Ohio, and I don't want Scott to win even though he's from Ohio. I want CONSTANTINE to win. He's AWESOME. He's TALENTED...his vocal ability far surpasses all others as far as I am concerned. I am never watching American Idol again, and I am serious and solemn on this subject. I will NEVER watch it again.
16 - Suzanne
I too am an "older" fan of Constantine. I think he was wrongly removed from American Idol. He has so much more talent, stage presence, and professionalism than most of the people left on the show. I will continue to watch the show, but have much disappointment in the voting! Much luck in all you do Constantine! You are truly a "IDOL"!
17 - Eric Olsen
America does like a "good underdog," but that does not describe Scott
18 - kathryn
I'm another older (38) American Idol fan and I was also totally shocked last night. Almost as shocked as when I watched the OJ verdict live! I can't believe Scott is still in it - and that blond kid (why is he there?). But what is going on with Paula Abdul ?? She was drunk or stoned - got so overly emotional - but it makes for great TV, huh? Now I say go BO !
19 - Eric Olsen
Kathryn, as far as I'm concerned you're a "younger" AI fan
20 - Eunice Murray
Constantine was robbed!!! I am also enraged. I am not too worried because I am positive that we have not seen the last of him. He will go on to be bigger and better than whoever wins this crap. Scotty the fat body should step down and let the truely talented remain. Constantine has it all. A true American SUPERSTAR. I hope he reads this and if his band ever plays anywhere my husband and I will go and support him. We were very effing pissed off last night in total shock and disbelief and disgust. I hope to catch him in concert anywhere in New York or Long Island. Enough said he will prevail.LONG LIVE ROCK NEW YORK LOVES CONSTANTINE!!! Eunice
21 - Eric Olsen
I bet he'll feel better if you buy his band's CD (smile)
22 - JJ Hass
Really don't like this show at all, but watch it with my wife to keep the peace... I was starting to like it if it and then Constantine gets blown away! Enough. I was right and this show is about ratings and doing 'shock' to keep it. I'm sure the network rigged this outcome and we're all fools to watch such a foolish show that seems to be 'pre-determined' with its outcome. Enough! Constantine RULES!! I will support his band, although I like more of a hard-biting rock, i.e. Guns n Roses, etc. etc. -- but in any event, this Scott HAS NO TALENT!!! NONE AT ALL!! this this equil. to the Academy Awards, where it's all 'pre-determine' -- BOYCOTT this stupid show and realize that the fat suits at the network already has picked who's going to win, I mean, how can they prove 'we' voted to keep Scott, etc. -- Where's the notarized proof this is even a legit. voting systems. We're fools if we keep watching. And Simon gets richer and richer.... This is an outrage. True talent was voted off the stage last night, we should be pissed and realize our intelligence is completely being insulted. It's not about talent; it's about ratings and creating interest. Only a fool would continue to watch this show. ENOUGH! Scott is still in?? There's your proof... What a massive piece of non-talented, hot breathing lard machine!! Enough! We didn't vote this decision; the idiots at Fox did!! Ha ~ they didn't fool this writer!! Go Constantine ~ Feta cheese for me on my salad tonight!!! ~ JJ Hass /Seattle, WA
23 - Leigh
American Idol consists of a bunch of wallflowers at this point! Constantine was the most talented, charismatic contestant with the most star power. Now that he and Nadia have been voted off, the contest is filled with a bunch of boring, average, semi-talented losers. Does anyone think this has anything to do with his band being signed? My husband and I are so outraged by the latest elimination that we will no longer be watching the show, which will surely suck. Constantine is the only one who could've filled a venue for a concert and put on a hell of a performance. Honestly, would anyone buy or go see any of these others cats?
24 - Betty Jones
Constantine was my favorite, and he was hot, so why did they make him wear pants with a long diagonal zipper and then a weird circle belt the last time? He didn't need those weird things. It never bothered him, but it bothered me. I didn;t like the kicks at the camera. Who told him to do that? It was insulting and put me off. Never saw anyone do that before--for good reason. He was the only one worth watching, but it seems like he was told to wear weird belts and zippers and do kicks at the camera. And what was that last song about a kayak? The last one he did. I heard it before but can't understand the words. Carryiak? or Karrot Kake? Karia? Is that a girl's name? If fatso wins I'm throwing a brick through the Television. Constantine write to me and tell us where you're playin next. You'll be bigger than anyone who wins this stupid thing. You'll put all of them in your pocket, OK.
25 - Brenda Snyder
I am a middle aged woman who has had alot of family tragedy within the last year. My father passed away from cancer and my father-n-law is on his final days as I'm writing this. My point is...I do not watch movies often as I do not want to follow a serious storyline. I look forward to watching American Idol because it takes my mind off of things for one hour, one day a week and I can smile when I see Constantine perform. I feel now that he has been eliminated, I don't look forward to the next show. He added "spark and energy" to the show and I couldn't wait to see his performance and what song he would choose. I hope your reading this Constantine, because you made my life, that is full of sadness right now, a little brighter once a week. Now I don't have your performances but I anticipate your talent will thrive and you will sell many many records. Good luck to you and your band and keep your head held high as you always did on the show. You're going to be a big star. Thanks for making me smile. If you ever read this, I would love to know where you are playing so I can see you perform sometime. Stay real and don't change who you are.... :)