http://www.people.com/people/package/ameri...0039416,00.htmlIt's official! Petty Officer Third Class Phil Stacey has been given the aye-aye by the U.S. Navy to join his castmates on this summer?s American Idol tour.
"It is absolutely true," U.S. Navy spokesman Bob Anderson confirms to PEOPLE. "They're working on the logistics right now: what he'll be paid, wear, stuff like that."
Stacey, 29, the married father of two (his second child, McKayla, was born while he was trying out for the FOX show), will join the top 10: Haley Scarnato, Sanjaya Malakar, Melinda Doolittle, Lakisha Jones, Blake Lewis, Gina Glocksen, Chris Richardson, Chris Sligh and Jordin Sparks for American Idols Live!
The nationwide concert tour kicks off July 6 in Sunrise, Fla. – not far from Stacey's Jacksonville home – and wraps up on September 22 in Manchester, New Hampshire. (Tickets for every show go on sale May 19.)
"I give the Navy all the props in the world," Stacey said the day after his elimination on May 2. "I have loved every moment in the Navy – to do my duty and be a part of what was happening in the war against terror. I don't have any plans of getting out early."
"The Navy is proud of him," adds Anderson. "He's done very well. We want the best for him."
:wub: I'm so happy that they're letting him go on tour. It really wouldnt be the same without him there. I know that things can change at any time and hopefully he'll be able to complete the full tour but at least for now he'll be able to go on at least part of it! :cheerleader: