( EW.com ) -- EW has confirmed that `` American Idol '' winner Phillip Phillips underwent a six and a half hour surgery yesterday to remove several kidney stones , which TMZ ( who first reported the news ) says `` were so huge there was no chance he could 've passed them on his own . '' Phillips ' longtime kidney issues plagued his run on `` Idol , '' causing him excruciating pain and preventing him from participating in various `` Idol '' duties , like the weekly Ford music video shoots . `` The surgery went well , '' says a source close to the show . `` He 's doing well and looking forward to starting the Idol tour in July . '' ( The `` Idols Live '' tour kicks off July 6 in Detroit . ) The surgery is the latest beat in a medical drama that 's been brewing for months . In March , Phillips , who suffers a congenital kidney condition , underwent a surgical procedure to have a stent implanted into his kidney to prevent blockage -- thereby assuring he could remain a competing contestant . In April , Phillips ' father , Donnie , told Albany Uncovered that `` contestants are getting very little sleep and it 's starting to take a toll on Phillip , especially when combined with his ongoing kidney stone issues . '' Phillips ' mother , Sheryl , went on to request prayers for her son on Facebook : . `` I have a special prayer request . Please stop and pray a special prayer for Phillip . He is in a lot of pain and I am sad about it . I just wish he felt good . I love him so much and wish I could be with him . He would appreciate the prayers too ! '' Phillips was reportedly scheduled to go under the knife last week , but due to a fever and sinus infection , the surgery had to be delayed . ( Geez , the guy just ca n't catch a break health-wise , can he ? ) Our get-well-soon wishes go out to Phillip ; he 's got a whole lot of fans hoping to hear him sing again soon . See the full story at EW.com . CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly . © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved .
Phillip Phillips ' longtime kidney issues plagued his run on ` ` Tonight . '' He underwent a six and a half hour surgery yesterday to remove several kidney ##s . ` ` The surgery went well , '' said a reporter close to the show .