Entertainment

Top ‘American Idol’ contestants take their acts to Broadway

What do Fantasia Barrino, Constantine Maroulis and Clay Aiken have in common? “American Idol,” of course — but also Broadway: They’re just three of the former contestants who have successfully dabbled in show tunes.

This fall, two experienced “Idol” hands return to the stage: Barrino in the swing-flavored revue “After Midnight” starting Oct. 18, and Justin Guarini as Paris, starting tomorrow, in “Romeo and Juliet.”

With contestants from “The Voice” no doubt getting ready to make their own leap to the theater, here’s a look at how some ex-“Idols” have fared onstage.

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(AP)

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(AP)

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FANTASIA BARRINO, 29

The brass-piped overachiever

“Idol” finish: winner, Season 3 (spring 2004)

“Idol” highlight: unforgettable performance of the Gershwins’ “Summertime” from “Porgy and Bess” — a sign of Broadway things to come?

Life after TV: First single, “I Believe,” went straight to No. 1 in ’04. Wrote best-selling memoir, “Life Is Not a Fairy Tale,” then played herself in the Lifetime adaptation. Won a Grammy for R&B performance for the single “Bittersweet” in 2011.

Stage cred(its): Earned a 2007 Theater World Award for lead role of Celie in Broadway’s “The Color Purple.” In October she returns to Broadway in “After Midnight.”

Footlights forecast: Has the charisma and chops to date a little dude named Tony.

DIANA DEGARMO, 26

Middle America’s sweetheart

“Idol” finish: runner-up, Season 3 (spring 2004)

“Idol” highlight: Solidified her diva status on disco night with a rousing rendition of “No MoreTears.”

Life after TV: Couldn’t make up her mind between pop, R&B and country, so ended up striking out with all of them.

Stage cred(its): She’s played roles from dorky Penny Pingleton in “Hairspray” to bombshell Doralee in “9 to 5.” Met hubby, fellow ex-“Idol” Ace Young, while they both were in 2010 Broadway revival of “Hair.” They’re set to co-star in 2014 tour of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”

Footlights forecast: Let’s hope she likes bus travel — road tours are in her future.

CLAY AIKEN, 34

The milquetoast troubadour

“Idol” finish: runner-up, Season 2 (spring 2003)

“Idol” highlight: Morphed from geeky, gawky, bespectacled nerd to lens-wearing, spiky-haired crooner over a few months.

Life after TV: Came out as gay in 2008. Several cameos and TV guest-hosting gigs under his belt. Was the “Celebrity Apprentice” runner-up last year.

Stage cred(its): In 2008, joined “Spamalot” as the cowardly Sir Robin, a part created by David Hyde Pierce. Claymates flocked to the theater. Also starred in Maine production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”

Footlights forecast: Likely to star in another musical, but few will care.

JUSTIN GUARINI, 34

The humble comeback kid

“Idol” finish: runner-up, Season 1 (summer 2002)

“Idol” highlight: Guarini benefited from a weak field and rode a wave of freshman-show cuteness.

Life after TV: “From Justin to Kelly” movie co-starring Kelly Clarkson bombed. Recording career floundered. Recently blogged about skipping meals to feed his two kids.

Stage cred(its): Made a convincing debut as the geeky, stuttering Carlos in the 2010 musical “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown.” The following year, joined “American Idiot” as the drug- and alcohol-addled Will. About to appear alongside Orlando Bloom and Condola Rashad in Shakespeare’s famously tragic love story.

Footlights forecast: Can look forward to a solid career as a character actor. Who would have thought?

CONSTANTINE MAROULIS, 37

The likable workhorse

“Idol” finish: sixth place, Season 4 (spring 2005)

“Idol” highlight: Excellent rendition of theatrical rock epic, “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

Life after TV: His 2007 debut album, “Constantine,” sold only 25,000 copies.

Stage cred(its): Replacement cast for Broadway’s “The Wedding Singer” (2006) and off-Broadway’s “Jacques Brel” (2007). Got a Tony nod for “Rock of Ages” in 2009. Shook his locks in the dual title role of “Jekyll & Hyde” on the road and on Broadway earlier this year.

Footlights forecast: Expect to see his dimpled chin and hear his big belt for years to come.

FRENCHIE DAVIS, 34

The one who never gives up

“Idol” finish: Disqualified in Season 2 after old topless photos surfaced on the Internet.

“Idol” highlight: See above.

Life after TV: Solo single “Love’s Got a Hold on Me” peaked at No. 12 on dance charts in 2012. Davis was on “The Voice” in ’11 and landed on Team Christina; she finished fifth.

Stage cred(its): In 2003, Davis joined the Broadway cast of “Rent,” playing various parts for four years. Appeared in touring productions of “Dreamgirls” (2004) and “Ain’t Misbehavin’  ” (2008).

Footlights forecast: If she doesn’t enter “Dancing With the Stars,” she’ll be back on the stage soon.