American Idol Winner Nick Fradiani Jr.'s Life Forever Changed

By Rachel Ettlinger, Patch Editor

After being named Season 14’s “American Idol,” Nick Fradiani Jr., 29, of Connecticut has come out victorious with a promising career ahead of him.

The Guilford and East Haven native, who formed a band in Milford called “Beach Avenue” has now hit the big time as he rushed to make the national media rounds, write and produce his first solo album, and then of course begin touring.

“Still in shock,” Fradiani posted on Facebook. “I can’t begin to thank you all enough for your support throughout American Idol. You all have changed my life forever. I can’t wait for you to begin this journey with me. I know I’ll always have you guys behind me. I’ll make sure to give you everything I have in my career. Thank you.”

Fradiani’s first single “Beautiful Life,” the song he performed at the end of the season’s finale, is just beginning for the budding performer. He is expected to come out with an entire album that will feature his new single, according to the New Haven Register.

See related stories:

• VIDEO, PHOTOS: Nick Fradiani on American Idol’s Finale
• American Idol Final Results: We Have A Winner

And because Fradiani made it to the show’s Top 5, he is guaranteed a spot on tour with the other remaining finalists. The “American Idol” tour is scheduled to stop in Worcester, Massachusetts on July 28 and at the Beacon Theater in New York on Aug. 5.

In the mean time, “Beautiful Life” will be Fox Sports’ official anthem for all upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015 coverage in June, according to People.

“Now that is SO COOL!!!! My new single ‪#‎BeautifulLife‬ associated with the Women’s World Cup!” Fradiani posted on Facebook.

Fradiani told Billboard in an interview that he lucked out with his single, which was written by Chris Carrabba of Dashboard Confessional, because it’s the right style and genre for him. He said he used to love Dashboard Confessional and recognized Carrabba’s work right away, and was excited to perform it.

Fradiani’s father, Nick Fradiani Sr. of Guilford, was also a performer who had humble beginnings not unlike his son, Fradiani told Billboard. Together they covered The Beatles’ “If I Fell,” which was posted to youtube on April 14, 2014.

Before auditioning for reality TV shows like “American Idol” and “America’s Got Talent,” Fradiani told Billboard he played in bars where he said an audience of 8 to 10 people was impressive, and people would talk over his performances constantly.

Having begun to make it big, Fradiani still remembers his humble beginnings and where he came from. He was the first contestant in a while from the northeast to continue on from the Top 24, let alone to win the glory, according to Billboard.

“It feels really good,” Fradiani told Billboard. “I’m proud of where I’m from and this is great.”

Fradiani, who has his masters from the University of New Haven in secondary education, had previously taught at North Haven High School and East Haven High School, and sometimes coached basketball, according to the New Haven Register.

As a teacher, Fradiani had a role that kids could look up to, the Register reported. Now, Fradiani can still be a role model to our youth, but on a much larger scale.

More than 10,000 people packed the Guilford Green earlier this month for a parade andlive concert by Fradiani.

When Billboard asked how he would sleep the night before the finale, Fradiani answered, “I forgot what that sleep thing is all about. I just take naps.”

Photo Credit: Nick Fradiani on Facebook