Welcome our new Idoltracker -- Phil Stacey!

The Idoltracker blog is pleased to welcome a very exciting new member to our team: Season 6 alumnus and country and gospel star Phil Stacey, who will be joining us for the entire season to share his insight from his days in the Idoldome.  From Phil we will hear what might be going on in the minds of the contestants, what the pressures are and the thinking behind the critical decisions made each week. We are delighted to have him aboard as part of the Idoltracker family.

And now, without further ado, following is the introductory post of a giant of the Idoldome, Mr. Phil Stacey,

-- Richard Rushfield

Hello! My name is Phil Stacey and I would like to welcome you to my blog. If you are a fan of "American Idol," you have come to the right place. During the course of this season, I will be your eyes "behind the curtain," sharing inside information that only a former contestant can have. 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.

Either way, if I am to convince you that I am an expert on the subject, allow me to give you a little background information on myself. I was a finalist on "American Idol's" Season 6. I was voted off the show on top-five week along with my friend, Chris Richardson. After participating in Idol's 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. I am now working on a follow-up record that will be released toward the middle of this year.

I wanted to write this weekly feature to give you, the fans, a closer 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 -- so much of the story yet untold. And I got to see it all!

So be sure and tune in next week for my first installment. I'll go into detail about the audition process and tell you which contestants to be watching for in the coming episodes. I'll also tell you the key to success in the first rounds of auditions and how I made it through to Hollywood. Going through this season with you will be an adventure, so make sure and let all of your friends who are "Idol" fans know that we will be taking this journey together. Until then, be safe.

-- Phil Stacey

If you have any questions you would like to ask Phil, e-mail them to staceypro@yahoo.com. Or check out myspace.com/joelphilip.

Photo: Lyric Street Records

Comments

[Pat the Poet]

Oscars mom is asking you
Oscar Grant//Wanda Johnson
To stop the violence in Oscars name-B/C violence only brings hurt and pain.
At this moment I’m watching headline news on TV-to be sure, that video also hurts me.
But we cant cure pain with pain-young people riots put out the flames.
The flames that Obama shined bright-he showed us that non-violence is the way to fight.
He showed us how to fight with words-and young people his words were heard.
He let us know cussing, and fighting, isn’t the way-come on stop the violence, it’s a new day.
As I watch Oscars mom ask for peace-so his soul will be released.
Please don’t use Oscars name to do wrong-young people stand strong.
Lets work together in a non-violent light-use truth, and justice to fight.
Lets stop destroying the words want and change-violence puts dirt in the game.
We cant stoop to their level today-put action in the words we say.
So go home and find someone who can guide you-help you do it the best you can do.
You’re burning the places you will need tomorrow-cars and trains stations B/C of sorrow.
Come on show the world, that! Growth over 2 yrs.-replace the violence with peaceful cheer.
Do it as M L King-he looked forward to what peace could bring.
He walked in spite of the fear and hate-as he showed us what come with patience and faith.
Yes! Young people lets ask God to guide us-so as we seek truth, God will buffer the rough.
I know he buffers it for me each day-as he did I walked peacefully, non-violently away.
Away from the confusion of the world-Listen! Oscars mom is asking us to stop the emotional swirl.
Oscar wants that police to get his just dues-from the grave he is, screaming, do what my mom is asking you. By: Patricia Robinson-1/09/09