Phil Stacey & McKayla Stacey – More Like Him (+ Mp3 Audio & Video)
In a moment that has been building for almost twenty years, American Idol alum Phil Stacey and his daughter McKayla Stacey, who is also an Idol alum, join forces to present their poignant new song, “More Like Him.”
American Idol viewers may recall Phil Stacey’s memorable 2006 audition, which coincided with the birth of his daughter McKayla. In 2025, the father-daughter team has not only performed together on the Idol stage but is also releasing their first joint single, a stirring song that conveys a message of faith, love, and compassion.
“It’s so special to be able to share an experience like this with your kid,” said Phil, who finished in the Top 6 of American Idol Season 6.
“People who remember my season watched me miss her birth when I auditioned. Then, the moment she’s eligible, we’re suddenly on the show together.”
When McKayla tried out for the show in 2024, the two of them appeared together.
“More Like Him” is more than simply a song to Phil and McKayla; it’s a mission.
“We’ve been wanting to do a song together, but we wanted it to be special, a life statement. Like, if we spent our lives and could only say one thing, what would that be? This song captures what has driven us, sustains us, and continues to inspire us—and that is the person and work of Jesus and the invitation to continue His mission here on earth,” Phil said.
“I grew up watching my dad do shows around the world and fell in love with music because of the way it’s able to bring people into a single moment and a shared heart,” sis McKayla Stacey.
“With all the division and negativity around us, we wanted our song to invite people into a shared heart of love and compassion, and I think ‘More Like Him’ does that.”c
The fact that “More Like Him” was composed especially for Safe Families for Children, a nonprofit group devoted to preserving families and safeguarding children, adds to its significance. To increase awareness and support for the cause, Phil and McKayla will be playing a number of performances this year.
