'American Idol' Winner Phillip Phillips Leaves Hospital

 

The Georgia native, who managed to beat Jessica Sanchez in the May 23 finale despite his illness, opted to postpone surgery until Idol's 11th season wrapped up; he secretly went under the knife a whopping eight times while on the show to treat a buildup of kidney stones. Caused by a congenital condition, the stones have rendered his right kidney largely ineffective, prompting him to temporarily rely on a stint and the need for an operation that would bring about a more permanent solution.

As previously reported, Phillips had scheduled the surgery only a month before the latest cast of the Fox series embark on a 45-date U.S. tour. A rep for Phillips said he's still a lock for the July 6 kick-off in Detroit.