Phillip Phillips interview for ‘Idols Live’ tour August 5: ‘I’m not trying to be a huge star.’
Phillip Phillips will perform Damien Rice's "Volcano," Usher's "Nice & Slow" and Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know," along with his hit single "Home" at Gwinnett Arena August 5 on the "Idols Live" tour. CREDIT: AP
“American Idol” winner and Leesburg native Phillip Phillips is a man of few words.
But he’s not a brooding, Clint Eastwood type. He’s more of the aw-shucks, happy-go-lucky variety of star.
He’ll bring his humble charm and musical chops Sunday to the sold-out “Idols Live” tour stop at Gwinnett Arena in Duluth.
And since he’s still recuperating from intensive kidney stone removal surgery a few weeks ago, he’s also going to be a man of economy in terms of movement. You won’t be seeing him running around or busting out any fancy dance steps on stage – or off.
“I’m just getting as much rest as I can, taking it slow,” he said, in a phone interview last week from a tour date in Glendale, Ariz.
During the interview, he discussed his “Idol” experience, desire to be a working musician and his upcoming first album:
AJC: You have now done 15 cities out of 45. How’s it been going?
Phillips: It’s been a lot of fun. And tiring also. We’re all getting as much sleep as we can. It’s coming along very well.”
AJC: I know you get this question every day since you had your kidney surgery but how are you feeling?
Phillips: I’m doing good. I really don’t try to do much.
AJC: Are the other “Idol” contestants bugging you about it?
Phillips: They’ll hassle me over it a little bit but not too much. They’re there to take care of me. It’s all good.
AJC: How comfortable is the tour bus?
Phillips: It’s very comfortable. We all sleep like babies. The guys do, at least. The worst part is if we have only a two-hour drive to the next city and have to wake up to go into the hotel. I prefer when we have long drives.
AJC: You were an early favorite to win the show and you did. Did any of that cross your mind while you were competing?
Phillips: Man. I tried not to think of anything like that when I was on the show. I just went out there each week playing music. It’s just a TV show. We were all out doing our best. People would get upset over who was eliminated. We all support each other. I honestly blocked out everything.
AJC: How much time have you spent in Georgia since you won the show?
Phillips: Zero percent. None. I’m excited to come to Duluth, eat some Southern food somewhere.
AJC: I expect a lot of your friends and family are coming up from Leesburg?
Phillips: We get a day off so I’ll get to spend some time with friends and family. I’m really excited to see them.
AJC: Have you had much of a chance to see your girlfriend?
Phillips: We’ve seen each other a few times. She’s doing great, supporting me 100 percent.
AJC: How long did it take after your surgery before you could sing or play guitar?
Phillips: It was at least two to three weeks. I couldn’t even bend over or anything. It would hurt to sit up. I just sat and stared at the TV or the walls for hours. I got a little paranoid! It was horrible. I hope the rest paid off.
AJC: Are there any foods you can’t eat?
Phillips: Mostly anything with calcium. I can’t take too much caffeine. And I can’t drink too much sweet tea, which sucks. I love sweet tea- especially my mom’s sweet tea.
AJC: How likely will it be that you’ll have more kidney stones?
Phillips: We’re working on preventing it. I may have them my whole life. I just have to prevent them from getting too big so they can pass.
AJC: You don’t get on stage until 90 minutes into the show. What do you do until then?
Phillips: It depends on the day. I might write. Sometimes, I’ll watch a movie.
AJC: How far along are you on the album?
Phillips: We’ve recorded 15 songs I’ve written. I’m still writing, trying to get as many songs as possible.
AJC: What type of music should we expect?
Phillips: It’s going to be rock with jazz and funk. Some songs will be acoustic. We’re still messing around with the songs. I’m excited to get them out there.
AJC: You haven’t travelled much before this tour. What’s been your favorite food so far?
Phillips: I ate some Chicago-style pizza for the first time. It was pretty different, took me a few bites to get used to it. I actually liked it.
AJC: Do you enjoy being on the road?
Phillips: I am. I am getting to see so many different cities. I’m not trying to be a huge star. If it happens, it happens. I just want to play music for the rest of my life and make a living at it.
AJC: Are you looking forward to your own tour bus?
Phillips: If I can afford it? Else, I can see myself driving little vans!
AJC: What’s it like being fawned over like a rock star?
Phillips: It’s strange to have people wanting my picture or autograph. I’m still feeling weird about it. But I love meeting new people. It’s just fun to get to hear their stories. They inspire me to keep going and keep writing music and keep doing my thing.
Join my Facebook fan page and Twitter.
By Rodney Ho, Radio & TV Talk
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79 comments Add your comment
truthbetold!
July 31st, 2012
8:57 am
And remembering another “stupid Olympic moment”, this one on local ABC, in 1980, the day of the hugely anticipated USA/Russian hockey game, John Pruitt came on the 6:00 news and stated “HUGE UPSET at the Olympics today – tune in at 11:00″. Well, I had several people over to watch, we had fixed a nice dinner and were getting ready to settle down and cheer on the US team. But, that kinda popped our balloon. The only positive, I felt a little easier watching – knowing that we were gonna take that sucker and kick the mighty USSR team in the behind – nerves not quite so much on edge.
Harriett
July 31st, 2012
9:06 am
Whatever happens, we will just have to roll with. I do not like the idea of Nick Jonas at all. Way too young for me to take seriously and as someone else said, to judge others. I don’t think his music cred is all that either. I know I complained about Brad Paisley, but, goodness, I would surely take him over Baby Jonas. And, if I were Mariah, I might not like the role that seems to be emerging, with her as the “old lady” or “mama” of the group.
Just sayin’.
Mercedes S.
July 31st, 2012
9:19 am
Morning!
As for the Opening Ceremony – loved every bit of it, and would have liked it even more if NBC hadn’t censored the most emotional moment of the evening (deeming it not appropriate for US audiences), Emeli Sande singing “Abide With Me” in a tribute to victims of war andviolence.
For those expecting something beyond the Beijing spectacle, get real: China could commandeer untold millions to deliver a perfect show while England had to rely on 10,000 volunteers.
Vast Wastrel
July 31st, 2012
9:20 am
Remember to vote today people and in the best Chicago/Idol tradition, vote often.
Mercedes S.
July 31st, 2012
9:23 am
Oh, and while the rest of the world was moved by Scottish lass Emeli, the US could partake of a fluffy interview with Michael Phelps, conducted by our own Seacrest…
Vast, at 9:20, wish I could…
Sam-A
July 31st, 2012
9:37 am
I think I’m being blocked out mostly today!!!!
Sam-A
July 31st, 2012
9:39 am
Mercedes: do you watch “Closer”? If so did you see it last night? VERY SAD! Unfortunately, I dozed off in the middle for about 15 mins, so have no idea who killed the priest or why. Will have to go thru it “on demand”, but sure don’t want to watch the end again.
DanJ
July 31st, 2012
9:43 am
Pharrell Williams would be a good judge but a Jonas brother? If you want to insure another WDWSI (White Dude With Stringed Instrument) winning then okay because you’re really going to attract young girls who vote in blocks. Lets see X-Factor starts in September, geez I can’t wait.
Rickster
July 31st, 2012
9:44 am
Well folks…. the last day is finally here. The office is pretty much emptied out, and the desk is as organized as it’s been in a long, LOG time.
Deirdre
July 31st, 2012
9:48 am
Rickster, please promise that you will keep in touch as much as possible. And I wish you and the lovely Mrs. Rickster the best. Maybe a great new job is just around the corner!
Rickster
July 31st, 2012
9:55 am
As for the opening ceremonies… I didn’t “get” the vast majority of it. Loved the Queen’s entry into the stadium.
Hated the dancing doctors & nurses. Hated the imagery (implied or not) of the rich, fat cats wearing the top hats dancing while the poor, downtrodden workers toiled. But, of course, it was done by some Academy Award winning director (which likely puts him in the “leans left” category) so I shouldn’t be surprised.
Rickster
July 31st, 2012
9:56 am
Thanks, your queeness. I appreciate that.
Mercedes S.
July 31st, 2012
10:21 am
Sam-A – it was an A+ “Closer”. Sorry you missed the middle… happy to give you a full recap, but don’t want to spoil it for others. Yes, it was very emotional. Hubby and I suspected were it was leaning when that one character kept saying “there’s something I have to tell you”. Two more eps to go and Brenda has to deal with betrayal a work. The way “the Pope” has been portrayed this season, I suspect he’s the bad guy.
bknsty14
July 31st, 2012
10:23 am
Deirdre
July 31st, 2012
7:53 am
They are just morons.
I personally didn’t like the opening ceremonies. The whole Oliver Twist, chimney sweep thing was just a bit weird. The games have been good so far. The sports I enjoy are just about over though. looking forward to the gymnastics tonight. I’ll just have to avoid any media outlet that will ruin it for me.
Rickster
July 31st, 2012
10:23 am
Just post “SPOILER ALERT!” before you do, Mercedes.
Mercedes S.
July 31st, 2012
10:32 am
OK then, Thanks, Rickster (and good luck).
SPOILER ALERT
The killer in “The Closer” last night was the landlord of the apartment. Thinking he was dying, he had confessed a crime to the priest he later murdered. The priest had encouraged the landlord to confess to the police. Landlord, not seeing that point, planned elaborate set up to smear priest’s good name. Brenda & Co. also discovered the dead wife landlord had murdered 8 years earlier.
The death of SUPER SPOILER ALERT Brenda’s parent was heartbreaking, but so well done.
Deirdre
July 31st, 2012
11:03 am
New thread up
Rickster
July 31st, 2012
11:15 am
Of course… it’s not spoiling anything for me since I’ve never seen the show.
Others might not be so forgiving.
Sam-A
July 31st, 2012
12:01 pm
Mercedes: I’m still sad, but had a kinda weird feeling about that being possible too. If I can’t get it in “on demand” by Friday, will ask for the “middle of the show” from you. And Pope may well be very bad, or at least interested only in his own well-being, regardless of his speech to Brenda last night. There was a collage of “coming up” for the last 3 shows last week, showing Fritz telling Brenda that Pope does not have her interests at heart. Sure going to miss this great show, and as I don’t care for the Mary McDonnell character, not sure I’ll watch the spin-off, even though I love the rest of the crew.
Sam-A
July 31st, 2012
12:04 pm
Probable spoiler for “Closer”
Mercedes: thanks – I’d never have guessed THAT! I have to tell you, Frances Sternhagen played the last scene so perfectly – my lord, her eyes – just looked so real!
Sam-A
July 31st, 2012
12:06 pm
I wonder if Brenda will end up pregnant, and she and Fritz will move to ATL to take care of Daddy.
sgray
July 31st, 2012
12:14 pm
The most attractive thing about PP2 , next to his music, is that he is a gentleman…his words are never unkind or rude. He is already a “star” and that is something no one can take away from him.
Road Trip
July 31st, 2012
11:04 pm
Anybody that doesn’t believe Phillip will be a huge star has rocks for brains. He is in it for the long haul. It was obvious the first time he performed. He understands how to create music, which is something very few performers can really grasp. Just keep doing it your way, Phillip. We love it.
amba
August 1st, 2012
10:22 am
He is great! I swear I knew it from his first rehearsal and I never watch idol anymore, it was just a fluke. But I tuned in every week like a junkie just to see what was going on with phil phillips….he is sincere and has a good heart….highest hopes for you, Phil!
Jan Wickersham
August 1st, 2012
1:11 pm
I was a major Phillip Phillips fan from he beginning on idol and went to extra measure to vote for him each week. My prediction is that, in time, he will be the most successful idol ever!
Weekend best bets: Aug. 3-5 | Best Of The Big A
August 2nd, 2012
5:00 am
[...] SUNDAY Music: Georgia’s Phillip Phillips, this year’s “American Idol” winner, and the rest of the Top 10 finishers will take the stage at Gwinnett Arena for “American Idol” Live at 7 p.m. Aug. 5. Check out Rodney Ho’s interview with Phillips. [...]
Peter
August 2nd, 2012
10:45 pm
I am an old fogey born in the Fifties. Elvis fan. But didn’t think much of the Beatles. But look what John Lennon did after his split. His muse saved the best for last in my opinion, number 9 dream for instance. Look how unsophisticated “Help” is. Lennon evolved through a crucible of sorts. The show is not called “Pavorati” idol, or “Mariah Carey idol”, or Aretha four-octave idol. Look at the song that brought simple Nora Jones to prominence, a sophistication drenched in simple luluby. Let us give these innocents a chance because we don’t know whats around the corner, do you tire when a child sings happy birthday to you?
Deirdre
August 4th, 2012
10:19 pm
Peter..I think you are talking about melody. Melody is what is missing in today’s music. Adele has tried to bring melody back while maintaining the repetitiveness of popular music.
What you missed about the early Beatles was the simplicity, the innocence that made their music so palatable. It’s when we get too complicated that music loses its most important quality…the ability to make us feel without analysis.
And yes, Lennon’s later work, imo. stepped back into the simplicity of what the Beatles originally did. They had the ability to keep it simple and emotional…which, imo, is what music needs to be.
Chris Snow
August 6th, 2012
10:49 am
He has so much potential. Most people do not even realize the condition he was in during Idol. Plus I was excited to read here that he IS writing his own songs for his album. Should be interesting.