Phil Stacey's Christian label debut next month, Into the Light (Reunion Records), brings the artist full circle, from his early days of singing gospel music at his local church and Christian university before gaining national prominence as a top five finalist on the sixth season of the hit TV show American Idol.

After the competition, Stacey performed with the American Idol finalists on a 55-city tour and appeared on Oprah, Live! With Regis and Kelly, The Tonight Show, Ellen, Today show, Larry King Live and Nickelodeon's Me:TV.

Although he has a strong gospel music background, Stacey was offered a chance to try out his country leanings by signing with Disney's Hollywood Records for his first post-Idol release, the self-titled Phil Stacey (2008). After connecting with Provident Music Group President Terry Hemmings at an event honoring Michael W. Smith, Stacey opted to follow that country release by taking the plunge into Christian music on Into the Light.

"Everything I did with American Idol has readied me for this platform and this album. This is where I feel at home, and I can't wait for people to hear these songs."

A bonus track on the album, "Old Glory," showcases Stacey's patriotic leanings. A member of the U.S. Navy Reserve, Stacey enlisted after the tragic events of 9/11.

Read more in the July 6 issue of Christian Retailing.

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