‘American Idol’ alumni: Phil Stacey

By Peter Elliott | Contributing Editor of Everyday Christian

Posted 2:14 pm on January 13, 2010

Blogs | Entertainment

• Editor’s Note: This is the second of a series of blogs looking at the careers of former “American Idol” contestants with ties to Christian music.

Phil Stacey is no stranger when it comes to music, faith and blending the two together.

The Tennessee native was a Top 12 finalist during Season 6 of American Idol in 2007. His father is a pastor in the Nashville area and he comes from a family with a long line of clergy.

Stacey acknowledged to Everyday Christian in an interview last year, "Growing up in the environment that I did where you live a life of sacrifice to the Lord, it has shaped who I am. I've learned there's not much value in material things, that you have to live your life in the truth that comes from God."

Living in the truth and living in the spotlight are often a challenge, Stacey said. Case in point was a vacation to Italy.

"My wife and I were in Rome at the Colosseum and some people came up to me and asked, ‘Weren't you on American Idol?' and started taking pictures of me," he said. "On one hand you're flabbergasted and on the other you think it feels good to be recognized.

"It's a reminder that there are all kinds of different things that can distract you from the path God is leading you on. No matter whatever else is going on around you, there is no truer sense of peace than from following His plan for your life."

Stacey’s second album, “Into the Light” has a stronger Christian spin to it that his self-titled debut release which peaked at eighth on the Billboard country charts. “Into the Light” cracked the Top 30 on Christian charts last fall and Stacey is preparing to hit the road in support of the album beginning with a Feb. 13 date in Savannah, Ga.

Tags: American Idol, Christian music, music, Phil Stacey, television

about the author:
Peter Elliott
http://www.everydaychristian.com

Peter Elliott is a veteran news and sports journalist. He enjoys interviewing others about how God works in their lives and sharing that with readers. He is also a lifelong, long-suffering Chicago Cubs fan. He resides in Indianapolis with his wife and three sons.

Related Articles and Blogs

• ‘Dancing With The Stars’ To Include Bristol Palin, Kurt Warner
• ‘Modern Family,’ ‘Mad Men’ Clean Up At Emmy Awards
• 7-Year-Old Girl Becomes Online Gospel Singing Sensation
• Definition of Christian Music Changing
• Jesus Series Pulled from Lebanese TV Amid Protests
• Casting Crowns Song Illustrates Need for God
• The Real Housewives…of Proverbs 31

More Posts by This Author

• The Challenge Of Raising Christian Teens
• Green Bay Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers: Just How Good Is He?
• Lunchtime Links: August 27, 2010
• Lunchtime Links: August 26, 2010
• Sanitation a Major Roadblock to Haiti Recovery
• Book Excerpt: ‘Reluctant Pilgrim’ by Emuna Okoro
• Lunchtime Links: August 25, 2010