Possessor of a shy and quiet demeanor off stage, Phillip Phillips’ on stage presence is an explosive combination of soulful singing, dazzling musicianship and plain raw energy. With skills built over years of performing as a musician in his home town of Leesburg, GA, Phillips’ live shows are intoxicating celebrations of the art of making music, showcasing not only Phillips’ strong song writing gift, but his ability to joyously lead his band – a group of jazz, soul, classical and rock musicians that beautifully represent the richness and diversity of his sound. Inspired by his brother-in-law Ben Neil, Phillips first picked up the guitar at age 14, playing and singing in church and later becoming a regular fixture in the local music scene. In 2012, Phillips broke into the national scene by becoming the winner of the 11th edition of American Idol, after which he carved a musical path uniquely of his own. With his earthy voice, and strong focus on unusual, guitar-driven arrangements, Phillips was an unlikely Idol contestant, a direct move away from the typical pop, big voice styling favored by the show. But viewers intrigued and compelled by Philips’ performances, propelled him to become an early favorite, and in the end, the winner. His coronation song “Home,” which debuted in the Top 10 of the Top 100 charts, was the first Idol winner coronation song to debut that high in four years. “Home” later became the hit of the summer when it was used as the theme song for the U.S. women’s gymnastics team at the 2012 London Olympics. Boosted by the support of his many Idol fans, Phillips’ first album, The World from the Side of the Moon, debuted at No. 4 in the Billboard 200 when it was released in November 2012. The World from the Side of the Moon garnered wide acclaim for its eclectic combination of funky rock numbers, folksy anthems and darker, moodier songs that showed Phillips’ talent as a story teller.
