Constantine Rock and Soul

His charisma and sex-appeal may not have
stamped him the 'Idol' title but for an evening, he definitely
charmed his way to the heart of his Cebuano fans.

For American Idol followers, the night Constantine Maroulis was booted out of the top-rated reality show was one of television's unforgettable moments. Like any Idol contestant, his Filipino fans thought Constantine's fifteen minutes of fame drowned on that very fateful evening. Fortunately, with the news of an up-coming television series and his cover of a popular piece on the tribute album for Queen, he's back in the limelight!

So when Ayala Center Cebu announced they were flying in Constantine for their 11th year celebration, fans went stir-crazy! My brother, a self-proclaimed "biggest fan" got so excited of the news that he had to incessantly pester me for passes to watch the concert. Then Saturday came and all roads led to Ayala Entertainment Center's Fountain Area. Frenzy and mania filled the domed parking lot-turned-concert area as the audience (to my surprise, it was a diverse mix of ages) eagerly anticipated the performance of their American Idol.

Then, there he was in flesh and blood. The deafening screams of the audience reverberated throughout the area as Constantine opened the evening with his rendition of the Bee Gees' Nights on Broadway. His covers were mostly songs during his Idol days which included Aerosmith's Crying, a funky version of the Partrige Family's theme I Think I Love You and a classic Hard to Handle. But it was his soulful interpretation of Seal's Kiss From A Rose and a Bonnie Raitt classic I Can't Make You Love Me that got the ohhs and ahhs. During performance, he managed to tease on stage with sexy smirks to the ladies and intermittently brushing his hand on his mane, highlighting his Greek-perfect face. The ladies just melted every time.

But beyond his looks and charm, his talent is unquestionable. A theater-trained performer, he showed vocal versatility when he jazzed up things with Sinatra's Moondance and a 60's classic You Make Me So Very Happy. He grooved things down with Sting's Every Little Thing She Does and his Idol 'losing' song How You Remind Me by Nickelback. Agreeably, it was the final song that stirred things crazy. His popular interpretation of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody smacked with verisimilitude.

Well, I may not have managed a one-on-one interview with the Idol (security was tight), so I went for the next big thing - his fans! After the musical shindig, I spoke to a few frantic fans and asked these questions: How does it feel to watch the American Idol live? What was the highlight of the show? And what is it that you like the most about Constantine? Here's what they said:

Merche Miranda, entrepreneur. It was a dream come true. Awesome! The best part of the concert was the finale with his cover of a Queen Bohemian Rhapsody. As a performer, Constantine can really work out a crowd and he's oozing with sex appeal!

Kimberly Tan, high school student. I was in shock to see him in person. Never in my wildest dreams did I hope that I see an American Idol perform live. During the finale I was so near the stage and he was singing one of my favorite songs. He's so hot!

Christopher Velez Villafania, restaurateur. I was agape to see him the first time. An elusive feeling of euphoria and bliss did not sink in until his second song. His rendition of the classic Moondance was a highlight because he proved that he isn't just a rocker, he can also jazz. His vocal versatility was showcased.

Monica Blanco Ceballos, high school student. It was a surreal experience. During the finale, I managed to go near the stage and was "this" close to touching him, ahhh! I love him because he's the first rocker American Idol and that sets him apart.

Charmaine Fernandez, college student. Superb, wow, super! Bohemian Rhapsody was definitely the best part. He's so cute. The way he delivers his songs is always filled with emotions, I love that in any singer.

Amador Pilapil III, college student. It was overwhelming. As his biggest fan, my expectations were more than just met. Constantine live and performing right before my very eyes will be forever etched in my memory. That one-hour show was "the experience". Most people saw him only as another pretty face but it was his presence, genuine talent and undeniable potential that left a mark in me since his stint on TV. It's a shame he didn't win but it doesn't matter. He is my American Idol!