Editor’s note: This is an excerpt of Phil Stacey’s column that appeared in Sunday’s Wichita Eagle.
If you are a fan of “American Idol,” I’ve got some great stories that I can’t wait to share with you over the next few months. During the course of this season, I will be your eyes behind the curtain, sharing information that only a former contestant can know.
Many of you may remember me as the bald guy on Sanjaya’s season, or the Navy man who missed his daughter’s birth when he auditioned. Both are true. But I am also a Kansan at heart, having graduated in 1997 from Northwest High School in Wichita.
What makes me an expert on “American Idol”? Well, I was a finalist on Season 6 two years ago. I was voted off the show, along with my friend and fellow contestant Chris Richardson, in fifth and sixth place.
After participating in the Idols Live Tour ‘07, I signed with Disney’s Lyric Street Records and recorded a country album that debuted at No. 8 on Billboard’s country chart.
I have since toured the nation about 18 times, opening for some of the biggest names in country music. I have also performed on stages that I have dreamed of since childhood, including Carnegie Hall and the Grand Ole Opry. Now, I’m working on a follow-up record that will be released toward the middle of this year.
I wanted to write this blog to give fans a special glimpse into the phenomenon that is “American Idol.” After all, I have been a fan myself since watching Kelly Clarkson nail her rendition of Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” during Season 1.
In some ways, being an “Idol” finalist made me feel like one of Willy Wonka’s golden ticket recipients. There were so many amazing things to see, and I got to see it all.
So be sure to tune in this week for my first installment. I’ll go into detail about the audition process and tell you which contestants to be watching in the coming episodes.
I’ll also give you the key to success in the first rounds of auditions and how I made it through to Hollywood.
Also, I will be available to answer any questions you may have at the e-mail address listed below. Going through this season with you will be an adventure I’m eager to get under way. Make sure to let all of your friends who are “Idol” fans know that we will be taking this journey together.