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
Tito
July 30th, 2012
8:24 am
Don’t worry Phil, you will not be a huge star…. I do wish you luck with your ailment though.
Deirdre
July 30th, 2012
8:30 am
Repeating something from the last thread. Last night the theme music for the USA girls’ gymnastic team was Phil’s song Home. The song will definitely get an uptick in interest if they keep using it for one of the most popular sports in the Olympics.
Harriett
July 30th, 2012
8:32 am
Morning!
They played PP’s “Home” over and over during the Olympics; especially when highlighting the girl’s gymnasts.
Harriett
July 30th, 2012
8:33 am
LOL, Deirdre! Here we do it again!
Rickster
July 30th, 2012
9:01 am
RoHo: “He’s more of the aw-shucks, happy-go-lucky variety of star.”
Aw-shucks, happy-go-lucky I can agree with. If Phillip is a star… then we’ve cheapened the word so much that it has no meaning any more. He’s the winner of American Idol… but he’s no ’star.”
G
July 30th, 2012
9:03 am
Why am I not enthused?
Deirdre
July 30th, 2012
9:13 am
G Why am I not enthused?
I’ve got about 100 answers to that question!
Mercedes S.
July 30th, 2012
9:31 am
What I mostly disliked about NBC honchos “editing for American viewers” was that they cut the the Opening Ceremony’s most appreciated segment, a tribute to victims of war and violence. It incuded a stunning performance by Emeli Sandé, a Scottish girl, singing the Scottish hymn “Abide With Me”.
Rodney Ho
July 30th, 2012
9:54 am
I’m in jury duty right now. I hope I don’t get picked but you never know…
Deirdre
July 30th, 2012
9:57 am
One of the most interesting experiences I have ever had was during jury duty. Sometimes it’s a pain in the neck but the case I was a juror for was worth my time.
G
July 30th, 2012
10:15 am
Hey, D! Only one answer will do.
GQ
July 30th, 2012
10:37 am
Phillip, you WILL become a HUGE STAR whether you like it or not. Just stay humble! God Loves You…..
Deirdre
July 30th, 2012
11:00 am
Sources are confirming that Brad Paisley is on his way to LA to meet with Idol producers.
Paula
July 30th, 2012
11:14 am
Great interview for an All American young man. He’s already on the way to stardom by winning American Idol, and now his Home is featured at the Olympics. Can’t get much better than this!!!
Harriett
July 30th, 2012
11:17 am
Oh, well. Guess it is inevitable. Seems kind of copy cat to me, though. Hope he will be better than ST.
jody
July 30th, 2012
11:59 am
Phillip is just cool! Love his voice, music skills, and attitude…hope he gets to do what he loves.
md
July 30th, 2012
12:06 pm
This kid has a lot of raw talent. Hope people outside the ‘idol bubble’ will get him. Not often someone like him comes along. Don’t use American Idol against him…he can stand on his own.
Ben
July 30th, 2012
12:11 pm
First time I heard him, I knew he had something special. Go get ‘em Phil!
music lover
July 30th, 2012
12:15 pm
better than a reality tv contestant. if he can write half-way decent songs, he’ll be known.
Deirdre
July 30th, 2012
12:17 pm
From mj:
Congrats to Phillip Phillips. His American Idol coronation song, “Home” has climbed to #7 on the iTunes songs chart after it was featured last night during NBC’s prime time Olympics coverage. The song was used to introduce a gymnastics segment.
Lurker
July 30th, 2012
12:24 pm
If I were an Olympian, the LAST song I would want to hear while away competing, is a song about home.
JTesla
July 30th, 2012
12:30 pm
I doubt they have time to watch the Olympics.
Mercedes S.
July 30th, 2012
12:55 pm
Good one, Lurker.
I have been called to jury duty 7 times and never get picked. Boo. I would LOVE to judge!!
DanJ
July 30th, 2012
1:11 pm
I have to admit I like the song Home and wish Philip the best of luck. I do think he’s much better that Lee was/is. Personally I think Kris Has a better voice. My guess is he’ll be pretty successful compared to other Idol Men who played guitar and won!
Deirdre
July 30th, 2012
1:28 pm
My cousin is currently volunteering at the Olympics. Her biggest complaint is missing most of the events.
Harriett
July 30th, 2012
2:20 pm
I don’t blame her, D!
Deirdre
July 30th, 2012
2:36 pm
Harriett, she has a day off tomorrow and plans to spend it in a pub with a tv so she can catch up on what’s been happening.
G
July 30th, 2012
2:37 pm
Lurker, good point.
Harriett
July 30th, 2012
2:48 pm
Good plan! I can’t imagine being that close!
Harriett
July 30th, 2012
2:50 pm
Am doing my quarterly wall calendar and cannot believe I just filled in Sept, Oct. and Nov.!! Around here, August heralds the end of summer and that makes me sad.
Deirdre
July 30th, 2012
2:52 pm
Lurker…the Olympians don’t hear the song…it’s for the viewers.
mable
July 30th, 2012
2:54 pm
The song ‘Home’ isn’t about being homesick, it’s about not letting fear overcome you and supporting each other, so it’s actually a great song for a team of athletes. I hope they play it often during the Olympics…plus it has a great beat!
JTesla
July 30th, 2012
3:02 pm
Of course if NBC plays it more, they won’t be hearing it there. I won’t mind, I kind of like the song, but it’s not like the Brits turn on the telly and hear the music we are listening to or are assaulted by banal conversations between Bob Costas and Ryan Seacrest.
Harriett
July 30th, 2012
3:58 pm
And, that song so isn’t Phil and what he purports to love and to be about. He has said he doesn’t care for it and it is not him. I was thinking about that when I heard it and can see what he means.
Harriett
July 30th, 2012
4:31 pm
Time to go. Slowing down here, anyway.
Mercedes S.
July 30th, 2012
5:00 pm
So, we’re headingto the Palin/Stupid Girls thread?
Jules
July 30th, 2012
5:16 pm
I love Phillip Phillips! So talented and humble.
SLY
July 30th, 2012
5:35 pm
PHILLIP YOU ARE SO AMAZING I AM SO PROUD OF YOU AND HAPPY FOR YOU!! LOOK HOW HUGE YOU ARE ALREADY!!! THE WORLD NEEDS YOU AND YOUR MUSIC!! <3
Taylor
July 30th, 2012
5:41 pm
Phillip has already had so much happen for him. It’s not like he really cares if he becomes a huge star or not himself, but it most likely is going to happen. It’s already happening. Congratulations, Phillip. You deserve every bit of this.
Deirdre
July 30th, 2012
6:18 pm
Here’s the latest on the judges from US magazine:
“Who I Am” singer Nick Jonas, 19, and N.E.R.D. rapper Pharrell Williams, 39, are the frontrunners to fill the two vacant seats at the judges’ table, multiple insiders tell Us Weekly. (Jackson, 56, is being moved into a “mentoring role,” according to a source.)
“Nick is pretty close to signing to be the Idol judge,” one insider says. “They flew him in to L.A. last week for final meetings.”
JTesla
July 30th, 2012
6:40 pm
Was it Nick or Joe whose sole contribution to American Idol judging was to say “yeah” about 30 times?
Deirdre
July 30th, 2012
7:41 pm
That was Joe. With any luck, Nick will have paid closer attention in English class.
Deirdre
July 30th, 2012
7:50 pm
Another very “odd” Mariah Carey picture. Is that a rib sticking out on the left side of the picture?
http://www.mjsbigblog.com/mariah-carey-triumphant-cover-and-release-date-photo.htm
Seth T
July 30th, 2012
11:54 pm
A housecleaning of the Judges panel is at least a good start. Randy & Nigel have both clung to the throwback status, looking for copies of the 70’s – 80’s crooners and diva’s. It became more and more obvious as the season wore-on, that a big change had to come,
If Paisley is signed, it will cause some viewers to quit watching, due to the Country affiliation, and the same for Nick Jonas due to the younger Pop-Rock affiliation. However, both would bring-in a new wing of viewers – so it may be a good gamble to try to keep on-top of the ratings, rather than slowly slipping down the mountain. Lose some, but try to win more than you lost.
It was Jimmy Iovine that got PP lined-up with the new song, “Home”, in the finale – that Jennifer and Randy would have vehemently advised him not to do —– as that’s exactly how they advised the contestants the past 2 seasons — “you have to pick a song everybody knows – you can’t do that here!!” ( you”ll never sell 700,000 downloads and get it played at the Olympics – it’s not an 80’s re-do.)
The press will give wide coverage a whole new panel at the start of next season. In the now crowded field of singing talent shows, I’m hoping they will also get more controls put on the crazy voting system, but they will probably want to continue to strive for the 150 million vote bragging rights.
Annlyn
July 31st, 2012
5:00 am
I don’t know how the term a ‘big star’ should be defined but it is really hard to imagine him with those Hollywood fakes at red carpet events.
patti freeman
July 31st, 2012
7:00 am
phillip phillips is going to be a star, i knew it from his first audition. he is sorta like dave matthews, and i love his style…you go phillip! i’ll be listening and looking forward to it.
Highlander
July 31st, 2012
7:18 am
The use of the term “Star” has lost most of it’s original ’shine’ ever since that other reality show, “Dancing With The Semi-Celebrities That Some OF You Have Heard Of’ Before” came on the air!
Good luck and continuing better health to PhilX2.
Deirdre
July 31st, 2012
7:53 am
Morning!
Seth, just a reminder. The song Home is Philx2’s coronation song. Picking “a song that everybody knows” was not an option. (although they tried it during Off-key Lee’s season)
NBC had a really stupid moment last night when they “spoiled” a swimming race by announcing, just before the race, that the Today Show would show us the moment the swimmer met her parents after winning the Gold. Are they morons or was advertising Today more important?
Tito
July 31st, 2012
8:40 am
I think Pharrell will make a great judge, he has produced and written songs for everyone from Brittany Spears to JayZ. He has a good ear for talent.
Sam-A
July 31st, 2012
8:48 am
Highlander: couldn’t agree more – so very few “stars”, so many “who’s that’s” on DWTS.
Nick is the youngest, the only “cute” one, and the one who actually has a bit of talent. However, he’s very young to be criticizing others, most probably with a few years on him – ala Demi Lavato (?sp?)
I hated the opening ceremonies, with the exception of the “QE2 & Bond + dogs” segment, the “Beautiful Minds” collage (glad John and Paul were there), and, while I worship Paul, as Deirdre stated, his emotions got the better of him and that first 30 secs was not good. Thankfully he took hold and finished well. Guess it was quite a moment for him. Several segments with Beatles clips or music, Stella designing the Brit uniforms, him closing – guess it’s ok to have an emotional moment!
I appreciate all they were conveying, but just wish they could have done it in a less boring way.
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.