American Idol '07

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May. 03, 2007 | 06:00 PM EDT

Phil Stacey Unsure About Idol Tour

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There were plenty of tears on the American Idol stage and in the audience when Ryan announced that Phil Stacey's time was up after singing Bon Jovi's "Blaze of Glory." The 29-year-old had mixed reviews from the judges throughout the weeks on the show and Wednesday was his fifth time in the bottom three. Maybe it was Stacey's "good guy" image, the well-known fact that he's a father of two, a devoted husband to wife Kendra and a sailor in the U.S. Navy, that kept audiences voting for him even when he had a less than stellar performances on the stage.

But it is a singing competition after all and now Stacey is headed home. If there is any comfort for eliminated contestants at this stage in the competition, it's that they will be performing for their biggest fans on the American Idols Live Tour with their fellow finalists this summer. But for Phil Stacey, his status as an active member of the U.S. Navy means this small comfort is not yet guaranteed.

The day after his elimination Stacey spoke with reporters about his duty to the military, who he thinks can win the competition and why, in the season of Sanjaya, being bald worked for him.

Are you going back to your job in the Navy?
It's my primary responsibility... If they need me for a case, I have my first commitment to them. That is a possibility. I give the Navy all the props in the world. The last that I spoke with my commanding officer things looked promising for me to go on [the American Idols Live] tour but yes, it would break my heart to not be able to go, but I have a duty to fulfill my responsibility to the Navy first and foremost.

What do you expect for the rest of your naval career?
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. I will be in until at least October 2008. This could change depending on the circumstances that come my way, but that is the plan now.

Did your Navy brothers tease or applaud you?
I got a lot of support. Up front they made fun of me when I went to the auditions. Once I got on the show they were nothing but supportive. They sent me lots of text messages.

Who do you think is the front runner now in the competition?
I think Blake is by far the most original contestant. Lakisha sings with so much passion. Jordan has got a range that lasts for days. Melinda has the best vocals. Its anybody's game right now.

With so much discussion about hair this season, why did bald work for you?It was unique. If it was last year and I was put up against Chris Daughtry, I don't know if it would have gone over that well! But this year I was the only one to do bald so it worked. It was different.

After country week Randy said you had a promising career. Is that the kind of music what you'd like to do?
I am grateful that you can ask that question. Country and gospel – I don't know which path God will put me on but I will follow the path God puts me on.