“American Idol” champion Phillip Phillips is on the mend less than a week after having kidney surgery.
The 21-year-old singer underwent a seven-hour operation June 6 to remove kidney stones that troubled him for much of the “Idol” competition. He checked out of the hospital Sunday afternoon, his reps told the Hollywood Reporter.
Phillips postponed surgery until after the “Idol” season so he could challenge Jessica Sanchez in the May 23 finale. Reports surfaced later that he quietly underwent eight surgeries during the show to treat the kidney stone buildup.
On July 6, Phillips is scheduled to embark with the “Idol” cast on a 45-date U.S. tour, which starts in Detroit. The tour stops at Sacramento’s Power Balance Pavilion on July 21 and HP Pavilion in San Jose July 22 ($29.50-$63.50, www.ticketmaster.com).
