'American Idol' Phillip Phillips has kidney surgery

"American Idol" winner Phillip Phillips is recovering after finally having the kidney surgery he had postponed during the course of the singing competition.

"He's resting and will be ready for the 'Idol' tour kickoff in July," his representative said Thursday in a statement.

Phillips, 21, underwent a 6 1/2-hour surgery in Los Angeles Wednesday to remove kidney stones so large they could never have passed on their own, TMZ.com said. The operation originally had been scheduled for last week, the site said, but was delayed because Phillips had a fever and a sinus infection.

The 45-date "American Idol Live!" tour begins July 6 in Detroit and Phillips is expected to participate. The show comes to Nassau Coliseum on Aug. 22.

Phillips endured eight temporary procedures for chronic kidney stones while competing in "American Idol's" 11th season.