American Idol 2012 Winner 'Almost Quit' Show

American Idol 2012 champion Phillip Phillips has revealed he almost quit the Fox series after suffering from chronic kidney problems.

The 21-year old singer - who beat Jessica Sanchez to the Idol crown earlier this week - told E! News that his health woes made him consider leaving Idol, stating: "I had some bad days and I had some pretty good days.

SEE MORE FROM THE AMERICAN IDOL 2012 FINAL IN OUR GALLERY HERE!  

"It was rough at times, and there were a couple of times I thought about going ahead and getting out and getting the surgery done.

"But I had a lot of great doctors and a lot of great people who helped me out through it. I'm blessed to have that. I came close to almost dropping out to get the surgery done, but my doctors helped me out a lot through it."

In a separate interview, his father - also named Phillip Phillips - revealed to People that his son underwent eight operations during the course of the talent show.

He explained: "He's been doing [well], but it's just gruelling hours and it's just amazing what he's done through the journey,"

"Eight operations since we started American Idol. He's hitting 50%, but he's still up there swinging away."

It is thought Phillips will undergo another operation in the next few weeks to reconstruct his kidney, with Phillip Sr. adding he believes the star will be healthy enough to take part in the Idols Live tour.

He added: "He's healthy, he's good. His kidneys are good. I can't wait for America and the whole world to see him [after his surgery], because he's a big cut-up. He's going to have some fun."

SEE MORE FROM THE AMERICAN IDOL 2012 FINAL IN OUR GALLERY HERE!