"American Idol" loser Constantine Maroulis claims he got punched by a "drunk" non-fan at a party Wednesday night -- but only 'cause he didn't see it coming!

The whole thing went down at an event in NYC -- in which some dude reportedly punched, pushed and kicked the crap out of the "Idol" reject-turned-Tony reject until security arrived to break it up.

Later that night, CM went to his Twitter page and posted the following message:

"Haha I'm FINE! Some drunk dude tackled me in the middle of the concert and jumped on me

Broke up quick, didn't even know him. Or throw one punch. I don't mind a fight ... but only when its fair and I'm lookin."

According to the New York Daily News, the fight began after Constantine and the other dude argued about Paula Abdul leaving "Idol" -- but so far Maroulis hasn't Twittered anything about that.

Then again, he does love Paula ...

Constantine Maroulis was at the opening game of The Broadway Softball League yesterday -- and judging by his t-shirt, the "Idol" wannabeen really likes getting to second base.


Someone's entered foul territory.

Looks like season four "American Idol" loser Constantine Maroulis won't have to perform at bingo nights or food festivals anymore -- dude just got a Tony nomination!

The 33-year-old creepy singer is nominated for Lead Actor in a Musical for his work as Drew Bowie in the '80s themed "Rock of Ages."

It may not be a Jennifer Hudson Oscar or a Kelly Clarkson Grammy, but it beats working the day shift at Applebee's ... with "Idol" winners Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard.

The post-"Idol" landscape is rockier than Posh's forehead -- but Constantine is doing good ... for now.


We got him out at Villa, partying past 2 AM -- which would be fine except that he was to report to work on a new pilot at 5 AM. Too much time in the clubs and it could be back to running Bingo nights!

Constantine Maroulis was supposed to be the next big rock star thanks to "American Idol." Instead he's hosting a Bingo Night in Wisconsin. Take that, Carrie Underwood!


The long-haired lothario was the star attraction at Oneida Bingo in Oneida, Wisc., where he tried to answer questions about musical instruments -- only people kept walking in front of him with trays of food. Pass the tater tots!

If you lose on "Idol" ... you can still win at bingo.

Constantine Maroulis needs a new bassist -- his latest one pushed him off stage!


TMZ was at the "Idol" wannabeen's concert at Stereo in New York last night, where the "rocker" got the ladies in the crowd all riled up -- when he suddenly went flying on top of them, accidentally falling after his bassist backed him over the edge.

Ever the Beyonce, Maroulis got right back up and played it cool -- though he couldn't resist throwing his guitar player a friendly push after climbing back onstage.

Double your fun! "Transformers" hottie Rachael Taylor celebrated with co-birthday boy, rockish/Hasidic-looking Ryan Cabrera in Las Vegas. Party!

PURE at Caesars Palace was the site of the combined party ... And shazam! It's a mindfreaky lookin' Criss Angel on the arm of yet another young blonde!

Wannabeen Constantine Maroulis -- membah him? -- was also in attendance, trying his best to pull off the "I'm such a f'n rock star look," but not succeeding. C for effort.

All this and more in this birthdaycadabra edition of Vegas Star Catcher!

The Great White Way is riddled with the discarded musical corpses of former "American Idol" wannabeens of yore.

As of May 29, Season One finalist Tamyra Gray will join the cast of "Rent" (she previously starred in "Bombay Dreams"), and simultaneously, rejoins the club of former "A.I." contestants who have been making ends meet on Broadway. It's not a J.Hud Oscar but it beats the late shift at Applebees!

Other contest losers trading Hollywood dollar bills for Playbills include: Season Two's impeached diva Frenchie Davis, who has been performing in "Rent" off and on for four years, Season Four's creepy crooner Constantine Maroulis, who hammed it up in "The Wedding Singer" last year, and Anthony Federov (memba him?), who just this month joined the revival of long-time hit, "The Fantasticks." While Diana Degarmo, who came in second on Season Three, took a break from her soccer-mom 'do and non-existent record sales to don a beehive in "Hairspray."

Even Fanatasia Barrino, who actually won "Idol" and at one time sold millions of records, has hit the NYC stage. To her defense, Miss B. has been getting rave reviews and selling out the house as Miss Celie in Oprah's production of "The Color Purple."

So while America may have become immune to the McPheever ("Over It," anyone?), you never know, she may just turn up on Broadway -- in "Kats."

Former "American Idol" wannabe, Constantine Maroulis, seems to have a fan in the nearly dethroned Miss USA Tara Conner.

Maroulis and Conner spent a night on the town at a NYC pool hall last October, partying with pop singer Ryan Cabrera and "Six Degrees" star Jay Hernandez. As seen in this video, Conner smacks Maroulis' butt and kisses him on the cheek (facial). How's that for a talent!

Before signing off, Maroulis looks straight into the camera and admits that they "have to get to some partying. You know how it is." Tara knows.

Maroulis recorded the footage as part of video diary series for People.com.

With The Donald in the Christmas spirit, Tara Conner has a lot to be thankful for this holiday season.

Now pictures are surfacing from B.R. (that's "Before Rehab" for you folks outside the Thirty Mile Zone), and Tara looks like she loves the nightlife. Check out this pic taken Sept. 1 of this year, where Tara does her best Tara Reid impression in Manhattan, with "American Idol" reject Constantine Maroulis and "Six Degrees" star Jay Hernandez.

Party on, girlfriend.

There was a lot going down last night in the Big Apple and we were all over the place to bring you another Gotham edition of Star Catcher.

We started our night outside the premiere of the flick "Infamous" where we spotted the star of the movie Sandra Bullock hand in hand with bad boy hubby Jesse James. Also on hand Josh Lucas, a stunning Naomi Watts, Parker Posey and Sandra's co-star Sigourney Weaver.

From there we hit up the east coast version of Hyde -- Butter -- where we caught up with the talented Cuba Gooding Jr., "American Idol" reject Constantine Maroulis and hip-hop mogul Damon Dash, who was still getting his grind on.

All this and much more in today's Big Apple Star Catcher.