You would never guess that the American Idol winner was battling chronic kidney problems all season long the way he swooned viewers! According to reports, Phillip Phillips suffered from a build up of kidney stones and had to undergo multiple operations to get them removed…eight to be exact.
But while the problems certainly caused a struggle for him during his Idol run, Phillips said he had the support from friends and family to help him make it through and ultimately win the competition.
“I’m going to get some surgery done, so I’m going to get all better for the tour,” he said. “It was very tough [getting through the season]. I had great doctors and great people surrounding me [who] really helped out, so it’s just a blessing to be here.”
And his father is one of them!
“He’s been doing [well], but it’s just grueling hours and it’s just amazing what he’s done through the journey,” said his dad, also named Phillip Phillips, at the show’s official Ford-sponsored after party. “Eight operations since we started American Idol … He’s hitting 50 percent, but he’s still up there swinging away.”
“I was so proud I could cry” his father said of his son’s winning moment. “They’ve just seen a glimpse of what Phillip can do. We can’t wait to get him well and 100 percent and really see how he can perform.”
Phillips had to undergo an additional surgery to reconstruct his kidneys, but is expected to make a full recovery in time for the Idols Live tour.
“The recovery’s probably two to four weeks,” said his father. “He’s healthy, he’s good. His kidneys are good. I can’t wait for America and the whole world to see him [after his surgery], because he’s a big cut-up. He’s going to have some fun.”