TAMPA, Florida -- Between the time he was eliminated from "American Idol" and the launch of the finalists' tour, Constantine Maroulis was spotted at Tara Reid-like numbers of Hollywood parties.

Before you knock the guy for his hyper-socializing, however, consider the networking he accomplished. In those few short months, the New York rocker inked a pilot deal with Kelsey Grammer's production company, booked a fall tour for his band Pray for the Soul of the Betty (see [article id="1500617"]" 'Idol' Singer Constantine Maroulis' Band Inks Label Deal"[/article]) and talked with several record labels about releasing a solo album.

"I've been busting my butt a long time, trying to get gigs, trying to get acting jobs, finishing school and taking care of my family and everything, so for all of this madness to happen to a guy like me, at my age, and where I was in my work, is just insane," Maroulis explained backstage at a recent American Idols Live tour stop (see [article id="1505635"]"American Idols Live Kickoff: One Ticket, 10 Different Concerts"[/article]). "I'm glad I can represent for the struggling New York artists, people with an education and a lot of talent that might not be getting a second look right now. I feel like I went out [on 'Idol'] and rocked for all those cats."

Constantine, who had done a lot of theater before the fourth season of "American Idol," plays a musician in the as-yet-untitled series he is developing with Grammer.

"We're looking to find the right home for that," he said. "It's something I think is missing in TV today, a great family drama. We're being very picky right now 'cause we really believe in the project and we want it to last."

Constantine is also still looking for the right home for his solo music. He's talking to "a bunch" of major labels and hopes to have a record in stores by early 2006.

"I've always had a vision of the perfect record I wanna make on my own, so we'll see what happens with that," he said.

In the meantime, Maroulis will appear on Killer Queen: A Tribute to Queen, due August 9. The singer worked with the cast of "We Will Rock You," the musical currently playing at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel, on a rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody," which he performed on "Idol" to much fanfare.

"Every end of the spectrum is on there, so I'm really psyched about that," Constantine said of the album, which also features Josh Homme, Flaming Lips, Sum 41, Joss Stone, Gavin DeGraw and others. "Oliver Leiber produced [my song]. His father is Jerry Leiber, and Leiber and Stoller was one of my favorite songwriting teams of all time, so to work with him was just awesome."

Fans can catch Constantine performing "Bohemian Rhapsody," as well as "Hard to Handle" and "My Funny Valentine," on the American Idols Live tour.

For an in-depth feature on the tour, check out [article id="1506372"]"On the Road Again With 'Idol.' "[/article]

[article id="1486475"]Get "Idol"-ized on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.[/article]