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'Idol' contender's father talks of Dayton-area ties
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
American Idol fans may have questionable musical tastes, but that doesn't prevent the vocal majority from offering up harsh critiques on message boards and personal blogs. This phenomenon is something former Daytonian Gary Stacey knows all too well. His son, Phil, a top six finalist this season on the popular television program, has been the recipient of some hateful remarks, everything from "horrible" and "untalented" to "Nosferatu" or "Shine" because of his shaved head.
The elder Stacey, the pastor at Hendersonville Church of God in Hendersonville, Tenn., took time earlier this week to defend his son, discuss the juggernaut that is American Idol and reveal his family's area ties.
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Q Phil has a good voice, yet he has been severely criticized by some viewers. What do you think of this negative attention?
A "It's interesting that some formed an early negative opinion of him and he's had a tough time shaking that since then. They don't like him at all, but I think if they stopped long enough to give him a chance they'd be surprised what they'd be hearing."
Q American Idol is one of the biggest television franchises in history. How does it feel to be a part of something this massive?
A "I don't think too many people in the history of the world have been involved with something of this magnitude. This is pretty amazing stuff. They're claiming at some point American Idol is going to try to take on the Super Bowl (in comparing the number of viewers) for the finals ... and it looks like they could do it."
Q I understand you and Phil have Ohio ties. When did you live in the area?
A "I was born in Somerset, Ky., and moved to Dayton when I was 13. My father was pastor at the East Fourth Street Church. I spent virtually all my teenage years in Dayton, until I went to college. I went to Walter E. Stebbins for a year, but I graduated from Wilbur Wright High School in 1964. I've got wonderful memories of Dayton from that time."
"Phil has roots in the area, too," he added. "He grew up in Hamilton. We moved there when he was just going into kindergarten, and we were there until he got through junior high."
Despite the naysayers, Phil Stacey obviously has fans — the 29-year-old father of two young children is in the top six. Will he advance to the next round? His fate will be revealed tonight during the special two-hour results show.
Contact contributing arts and music writer Don Thrasher at donaldthrasher8@aol.com.
