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 recording rock, doing Tony-nominated work as a producer of Broadway’s revival of Deaf West's Spring Awakening, TV and independent feature appearances, he's got a new Broadway show he's working on, a new album, Until I'm Wanted (love Try), recorded during the pandemic, and he's out there performing and accessible. He's vaxxed, boosted, and thrilled to be out there.

For all things Constantine, his music and appearances: https://www.constantinemaroulis.com/

His beautiful, articulate daughter, Malena, joined us for a bit, a chip off the ol’ gorgeous and got-it-all block.

As he did the first time we sat down on my radio show 5 years ago, Constantine made me feel like an old friend. The conversation was warm, flowing, easy, and fun. Such a joy, this RockBoy, especially appreciated in this COVID crazy time. Both my thumbs, way up!

Constantine Maroulis on Game Changers with Vicki Abelson

Wed, 1/12/22, 5 pm PT, 8 pm ET

Streamed Live on my Facebook

Replay here:

https://bit.ly/3tosn0i

All BROADcasts, as podcasts, also available on

iTunes apple.co/2dj8ld3

Stitcher bit.ly/2h3R1fla

tunein bit.ly/2gGeItj

Also on iHeartRadio, SoundCloud, Voox, OwlTail, Backtracks, PlayerFM, Himalaya, Podchaser, and Listen Notes

Thanks to Rick Smolke of Quik Impressions, the best printers, printing, the best people people-ing. quikimpressions.com

Nicole Venables of Ruby Begonia Hair Studio Beauty and Products for the best dressed. http://www.rubybegoniahairstudio.com/

Blue Microphones and Kevin Walt