Phillip LaDon Phillips, Jr. (born September 20, 1990) is an American singer-songwriter from Leesburg, Georgia. He won the eleventh season of American Idol on May 23, 2012.[1][2][3] His coronation song "Home", released after his win, became the best selling of all coronation songs.[4][5] His debut album The World from the Side of the Moon was released on November 19, 2012.[6]
Early life
Phillips was born in Albany, Georgia,[7] to Sheryl and Phillip "Donnie" Phillips, Sr., and moved to Leesburg when he was twelve.[8][9][10] He grew up in Sasser and Leesburg, and attended Lee County High School.[11][12][13] He graduated from Albany Technical Collegewith a major in Industrial Systems Technology, but missed the graduation ceremony due to his obligations to American Idol.[14] Prior to appearing on American Idol, he worked at his family's pawn shop.
Phillips started playing music when he was 14. He was mentored by his long-time friend and brother-in-law, Benjamin Neil, whom he credited for piquing his interest in music.[15] In 2009, he formed the Phillip Phillips Band with Neil and another brother-in-law, Todd Urick, and performed in various local venues and events.[16] He won a local singing competition, "Albany Star", in 2010.[17] Phillips said his favorite singer is Jonny Lang, and other favorites include John Butler, Dave Matthews and Damien Rice,[18] and he also enjoyed Mumford & Sons and Tool.[15] He described his music as "jazz, rock alternative sound".[19]
Prior to American Idol, he also auditioned on the second season of America's Got Talent but did not make it to its finals.[20]
American Idol
Main article: American Idol (season 11)
[edit]Overview
Phillips auditioned in Savannah, Georgia.[21] He sang "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder.[21][22] The judges then asked him to perform a second song with his guitar, and he performed Michael Jackson's "Thriller."[21][22] He advanced to the Hollywood rounds,[21] and later to the Las Vegas round.[23]
On February 23, 2012, Phillips was chosen as one of the Top 25 semi-finalists,[24] and then voted into the Top 13.[13][25] His performance style on the show has been compared to Dave Matthews, and he covered one of his songs, "The Stone", in the competition.[26] When asked about Phillips' imitation of his style, Dave Matthews said: "More power to him, I don't mind", and added "He should kick my ass, [then] maybe I can retire and he can take over my band."[27]
After the Top 13 performance night, Phillips was taken to a doctor for possible kidney stones.[28][29] He had eight surgeries while he was on Idol, and had considered quitting the show due to the pain.[30][31]
As the sole contestant who was never in jeopardy of elimination in any week of the competition, Phillips became the winner on the finale of American Idol against Jessica Sanchez after a record-breaking total of 132 million votes were cast.[32] His coronation song, "Home", was released after his performance, and had the biggest digital sales week for any Idol winner's coronation song.[33]
Personal life
He suffers from a congenital kidney condition that produces stones so large he cannot pass them.[49] Soon after American Idol had finished, he had the kidney stones removed as well as reconstructive surgery on his kidney.
Profile:
| Birth name | Phillip LaDon Phillips, Jr. |
|---|---|
| Born | September 20, 1990 Albany, Georgia, U.S. |
| Genres | Rock |
| Occupations | Singer-songwriter, musician |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar |
| Years active | 2011–present |
| Labels | Interscope Records |
| Website | www.phillipphillips.com |
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