tedman catchpenny: 'American Idol' Frontrunner Phillip Phillips Hospitalized

Singer, who suffers from kidney stones, was rushed to the ER on Thursday morning.
By Gil Kaufman

Phillip Phillips on American Idol
Photo: FOX

There's no doubt that the atmosphere on "American Idol" is pressure cooker. But when you add pre-existing health problems into the mix it can get even more difficult for the finalists to make it to the stage twice a week.

According to TMZ, one of the leading contenders on this year's show, acoustic strummer Phillip Phillips, was rushed to a medical facility on Thursday morning for emergency treatment. Sources said Phillips, who suffers from kidney stones, was complaining of intense pain in his abdomen, but it is unclear what ailed him. TMZ claimed that someone close to Phillips suspected it could be gallstones.

Phillips's dad later reportedly told TMZ that his son has had 5 different procedures to remove kidney stones -- including one in January -- and that his boy is determined to stay in the competition, putting off any procedure for now. The Dave Matthews-esque footstomper was safely put through on Thursday night, when amiable Jeremy Rosado was sent home.

If Phillips does stick it out, he wouldn't be the first "Idol" favorite to battle illness on the show. Back in 2010, eventual runner-up Crystal Bowersox  rebounded from a hospital stay  and thoughts of throwing in the towel, with one of that season's highlights.

Bowersox, a diabetic, was told that she would be eliminated from the show  if she didn't not make it to that week's performance.

A spokesperson for "Idol" could not be reached for comment at press time on Phillips' condition.

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