'American Idol' Finalist Phillip Phillips to Undergo Kidney Surgery Following Finale
May 23 2012, Published 4:26 a.m. ET
Phillip Phillips' journey on American Idol has been more like an American Horror Story.
The 21-year-old singer from Leesburg, Ga., has been battling kidney stones throughout the intense compettition and will finally undergo surgery following the finale and mandatory press tour to relieve the pain, according to E! News.
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Following the top 13 performances at the start of the live shows, Phillip was rushed to the hospital with abdominal pains and discovered he most likely needed surgery on his kidneys. But if Phillip had taken his doctor's advice, he would have been disqualified from the show and automatically sent home. So, Phillip pushed through and is now battling for the title of American Idol against 16-year-old powerhouse Jessica Sanchez.
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Phillip's condition has caused him to feel fatigued and rundown on- and offstage and has prevented him from participating in the weekly Ford commercial shoots.
"It's kind of been going on ever since the show started," Phillip told Access Hollwood on Monday night, referring to reports that he needed surgery ASAP. "So nothing's really changed anything about it. Some days are just good, and some days aren't. So I'm just pushing through it like I have been and just gonna give it my all."
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Regardless of if he wins or loses tonight, Phillip will head out to NYC for his promotional-tour duties before returning home to Georgia for his much-needed surgery.
Depending on his recovery, Phillip may miss some shows on the American Idol tour, but he'll join the rest of the top 10 for later concert dates.
Get well soon, Phillip!