Phil Stacey to guest blog tonight's 'Idol'

By Brian Mansfield, USA TODAY

Posted May 22, 2012

Today's a big day. Jessica Sanchez and Phillip Phillips square off in the American Idol performance finale (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT, FOX).

Kris Allen and Haley Reinhart both have new albums out.

And my son's graduating from high school.

So I won't be watching tonight's performance finale live, but I'm not leaving Idol Chatter readers high and dry. I know many of you have grown accustomed to posts during the show, so Phil Stacey, a finalist on the show's sixth season, has graciously agreed to sit in as guest blogger.

Here's an update and a greeting from Phil:

American Idol has continued to open numerous doors of opportunity for me. Most recently, I have created a social networking site for musicians to find one another and get connected called Born2Gig.com. I also recently finished work as a consultant to help Market America build their entertainment arm Conquer Entertainment, which is set up to help independent artists kick-start their careers. As of this past week, I am assembling a list of songs to get started recording my third major album here in Nashville, Tenn. As an American Idol insider, I'm excited about sharing my thoughts about the American Idol finale performances live on USA TODAY! We should have a lot of fun together so be sure to tune in tonight!

I appreciate everyone's understanding, and I know you'll enjoy Phil's perspective on the show. Everybody say hi to Phil, and I'll see you Wednesday in time for the results.