Good times never seemed so good for “American Idol” season 14 winner Nick Fradiani. After a year of performing on Wednesday nights as the alternate in on Broadway in “A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical,” the reality show rocker has stepped into the title role full-time, making him the latest in a series of “American Idol” alumni who have turned to the New York legitimate stage after conquering the worlds of TV and pop.
It’s been a busy road to Broadway for Fradiani. After winning the 14th season of “American Idol” he released his debut solo project, “Hurricane,” on Big Machine/Universal Records in 2016. Since 2017, he has toured the country extensively and released multiple singles, including “I'll Wait For You,” “Never Gonna,” and “Empire.” Prior to joining the Broadway cast of “A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical” as an alternate last year, he released his second full-length album and found time to flex his acting muscles in the national tour of “A Bronx Tale.”
For Fradiani, stepping into the role of the four-time Grammy Award-winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer is something that began as a child growing up in Connecticut. “Neil Diamond’s music was a huge part of my childhood. I grew up with my father performing his songs, and even taking me to see Neil as my first concert,” he said in press notes.
The biomusical “A Beautiful Life” is Diamond’s story about how he rose from a poor kid in Brooklyn to one of the most sought-after songwriters of the 1960s to an international superstar with a string of hits that spans five decades. “To have the opportunity to take over the role of Neil Diamond – Then in ‘A Beautiful Noise’ on Broadway is truly an honor,” Fradiani said.
Moving up into the spotlight full-time in “A Beautiful Noise,” Fradiani joins a long list of “American Idol” alum to make the New York stage an artistic home. Earlier this year, Season One Finalist Justin Guarini wowed audiences in the Britney Spears tuner “Once Upon a One More Time.” At the same time, Season Four contestant Constantine Maroulis played pioneering DJ Alan Freed Off-Broadway in “Rock and Roll Man.” Other notable “A I” veterans who have played Broadway include Academy Award-winner Jennifer Hudson, Clay Aiken, Katharine McPhee, Diana DeGarmo, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, and Fantasia Barrino–who is starring in the film adaptation of the musical version of “The Color Purple,” set to open movie theaters nationwide next month on Christmas Day.
Playing rock and roll icon Neil Diamond is a labor of love for Fradini, who credits enthusiastic New York audiences with much of the show’s success. “I have seen first-hand the love, passion, and excitement the audience has brought to our theater over the past year,” he said. “I’m so lucky to continue being a part of this beautiful story.”
“A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical” is playing at the Broadhurst Theatre (235 West 44th Street). For tickets and information, visit ABeautifulNoiseTheMusical.com