“American Idol” finalist Constantine Maroulis’ band will release their first CD on May 10, stemming from sessions taped before “Idol” began filming.
Koch Records, the label that signed notorious “Idol” singer William Hung, has announced a deal with Pray for the Soul of Betty, the band Maroulis fronted before auditioning for the Fox singin program.
Maroulis made sure to sign the rights to his bandmates before joining “Idol,” so the album isn’t owned by the show, a publicist for “American Idol” confirmed Friday.
The rocker is one of six left on the show, where he has emerged as a heartthrob candidate for the female audience. Earlier in the season, the show documented Maroulis informing the band of his “Idol” intentions. Though some members were initially upset about the more mainstream direction, they are now quite happy for the publicity.
“The reason why he’s doing `American Idol’ is for the band, not for anything else,” drummer Hamboussi told The Associated Press Friday, adding that Maroulis and the band remain tight.
“(On `American Idol’) he doesn’t get the bass drum or the guitar hitting him in the back of the head,” Hamboussi said.
Giovanna Melchiorre, a spokeswoman for Koch, said that while Maroulis won’t be able to tour with the band for contractual reasons, “Legally, I think we’re OK.”
Credit: Yahoo/AP
