Phillip Phillips
Phillip LaDon Phillips Jr. (born September 20, 1990)[1] is an American musician and singer-songwriter who rose to fame after winning the eleventh season of American Idol in 2012. His coronation song, "Home", became the best-selling song in American Idol history.[2]
This article is about the singer. For other people of a similar name, see Philip Phillips.
Phillip Phillips
Phillip LaDon Phillips Jr.
September 20, 1990
Albany, Georgia, U.S.
Leesburg, Georgia, U.S.
- Singer-songwriter
- guitarist
2012–present
His debut album The World from the Side of the Moon was released on November 19, 2012, and was on the Billboard Top 200 album chart for 61 weeks.[3] It has been certified Platinum by the RIAA.[4] The album included the singles "Home", "Gone, Gone, Gone." He followed up with Behind the Light, in 2014 with the singles "Raging Fire" and "Unpack Your Heart". His third album, Collateral, was released in 2018 and included the song "Miles". Phillip Phillips fourth studio album Drift Back was released June 2023 and it included the single "Dancing with Your Shadows". Phillips toured with John Mayer, Gavin DeGraw, the Goo Goo Dolls and has shared the stage with Bruce Springsteen.[5]
Phillips has sold over 7.8 million digital singles and has sold over 3 million album equivalents. He accumulated over 1.1 billion on-demand streams and over 1.2 billion Pandora streams.[6]
Early life[edit]
Phillip Phillips was born in Albany, Georgia,[7] to Sheryl (Jacks) and Phillip LaDon "Donnie" Phillips, Sr. He moved with his family to Leesburg, Georgia when he was 12.[8][9][10] He has two older sisters, LaDonna, the eldest, and Lacey.[11] Phillips grew up in Sasser and Leesburg, and attended Lee County High School.[12][13][14] He graduated from Albany Technical College with a major in Industrial Systems Technology, but missed the graduation ceremony due to his obligations to American Idol.[15] Prior to appearing on American Idol, he worked at his family's pawn shop.[16]
Phillips started playing music, particularly the guitar,[17] when he was 14. He was mentored by his long-time friend and brother-in-law, Benjamin Neil, whom he credits for piquing his interest in music.[18] 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.[19] He won a local singing competition, "Albany Star," in 2010.[20]
Phillips' favorite singer is Jonny Lang. Other favorites include John Butler, Dave Matthews, and Damien Rice.[21] He also enjoyed Mumford & Sons and Tool.[18] He grew up listening mainly to '60s and '70s music such as Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin;[17] "Then as I got older I found Damien Rice and Dave Matthews and John Butler, which is what really set it off for me in terms of finding my voice as a musician."[17] He has described his music as "jazz and rock alternative sound."[22]
Prior to trying out for American Idol, Phillips also auditioned on the second season of America's Got Talent.[23]
Personal life[edit]
Phillips has suffered from a congenital kidney condition.[110] Soon after American Idol finished, he had large kidney stones removed and underwent reconstructive surgery on his kidney.[111]
On December 26, 2014, Phillips announced his engagement to girlfriend Hannah Blackwell.[112] The two were married at the Resora Plantation in Albany, Georgia, on October 24, 2015.[113]
Phillips and Blackwell's son was born on November 10, 2019.[114]
Phillips has supported organizations including the Sarah Foundation and the Gibson Flood Relief Campaign.[115] as well being an ambassador for Brave Beginnings.[116] He has also supported DoSomething, National Park Foundation, NCIRE - the Veterans Health Research Institute, Save The Music Foundation, and Habitat for Humanity.[117]