Toldja! We reported earlier that American Idol season 6 alum Phil Stacey was spotted in and around the New Orleans hotel with his teenaged daughter McKayla Stacey in October where judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan were auditioning singers.
And now Phillip and American Idol have confirmed that our reporting was CORRECT! Good job, Blake Busch who conducted the research!
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In a post from Phil’s Instagram that might seem a little confusing to American Idol newbie fans, host Ryan Seacrest poses with Phil and McKayla. The caption alongside the photo reads, “The saga continues 2.19.23 #americanidol #seasonsix @abcnetwork”
In the past, American Idol has featured grown up kids of alums auditioning for the show after fans were introduced to them as little kids.
Phil missed McKayla’s birth as he auditioned for American Idol season 6
But Phil and McKayla’s case is special. While in Memphis auditioning for American Idol season 6 in the summer of 2006, Phil’s wife Kendra gave birth to McKayla. While Phil missed the once-in-a-lifetime event, the show ended with a clip of Phil meeting his precious daughter for the very first time. And now McKayla, all grown up and a singer in her own right, is auditioning for American Idol season 21. How old does THAT make you feel?
During his audition, Phil performed “My Girl” and “Let’s Get it On.” A little fight ensued–judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson said yes, while Simon Cowell said no. At the end of the segment. American Idol cameras followed him as he met little McKayla for the first time. Phil went on to finish season 6 in the Top 6.
At the time, Phil shared with TV Guide that he could only see his family on and off. “McKayla started crawling while I was here. And when I saw her in Florida, my wife [Kendra] started feeding her solid food and I was like, ‘What are you doing?’ She was like, ‘It’s time, honey. We can do that now.’”McKayla is now 17. Check out the photos
Here is an Instagram photo gallery from McKayla’s account. SHe’s all growed up! It happens so fast!
And here is a photo that I took backstage at the American Idols Live concert in 2007. Phil holds baby Mikayla in his arms.
