Phil Stacey Releases Debut Single

Few will forget the dramatic story surrounding Phil Stacey's American Idol audition last season. His wife was having their baby at the same time as his audition. Phil's "If You Didn't Love Me" was released today (Jan. 7) to country music radio. He says that the words of the song are so meaningful to him personally and represent to him his marriage with wife Kendra. His album is scheduled to be released April 2008.

Phil grew up singing in his father's church, later studied music in collage, then enlisted in the United States Marines serving as a Musician Third Class at Navy Band Southeast in Jacksonville, FL. He and his wife and 2 girls currently reside in Nashville, TN.

This summer at the American Idol's Live concert at the MO State Fair, Phil gave an awesome performance of Jon Bon Jovi's hit "Blaze of Glory." He definitely has the voice for it and was a crowd favorite.

American Idol Auditions

Last year more that 103,000 Idol hopefuls auditioned. This years try-outs took place in San Diego, Dallas, Omaha, Atlanta, Charleston, Miami, and Philadelphia. When asked by USA TODAY for audition advice here is what some of last season's Idol contestants had to say:

Blake Lewis, 26, added his own unique spin on Seal's Crazy for his Seattle audition last year. Blake suggested, "be yourself and be confident. I didn't view it as television so it was easy. . . Just be true to yourself. There will always be other auditions."

Winner, Jordin Sparks, 17, (amazingly) did not make it through in Los Angeles. She then auditioned in Seattle singing Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion. And, you know, the rest is history. Jordin had this advice, "Know that (the judges) are watching to see if you'll crack under pressure. Sing something nobody else is doing, because by the 10th time they've heard it, they're going to cut you off early. Smile."

Melinda Doolittle, another stand-out performer from Season 6 emphasizes the importance of connecting with the judges. "Even if you're nervous, look them in the eye. Sing a song you believe in, one that you can really sell. Capture their attention. They're looking for more than singing."

Finally, few of us will forget Phil Stacey's dramatic audition, coming at the same time as his newborn baby daughter's birth. Stacey, 29, had this to add, "You've got to be real. The truth is, I would have left a better impression if I had done the music I wanted to do from the start rather than wait until I was comfortable. Blake went a long way because he was crystal clear about who he was."

I can't wait to view this years auditions! January can't come soon enough.