Meeting Phillip Phillips in person at 680/The Fan event
Phillip Phillips performs before a small group of Georgia's Own Credit Union employees and 680/The Fan fans at Ventana's Friday, August 31, 2012 before a free live performance at Centennial Olympic Park. CREDIT: Rodney Ho/rho@ajc.com
Phillip Phillips, the Leesburg “Idol” winner for season 11, is still in the middle of the “Idol Live” tour but he took advantage of a day off to fly down to Atlanta Friday to perform for the Bud Light Downtown Touchdown Centennial Olympic Park free concert sponsored in part by 680/The Fan, the sports station.
Phillips also got to see some family who drove up from South Georgia and pocket some extra moulah, too.
The sports station got him to do a quick three-song acoustic set on the 44th floor overlooking Centennial Olympic Park where Ventana’s is located. With the Bank of America building as a backdrop, he and his guitarist buddy gave about 50 people (mostly from sponsor Georgia’s Own Credit Union) a mini-concert and photo shoot. A man of few words, he said little but grinned a lot, looked just happy to be there to perform.
Having just interviewed him a month ago, I didn’t set up a time to talk to him but I did get my picture taken and asked him quickly about his album release. He confirmed it wasn’t coming out until early January instead of the Christmas season. He also feels better, post kidney stone surgery, though isn’t 100%. I joked that he wasn’t quite ready to run a marathon. He isn’t much of an exercise guy anyway, he said. He walks at most. (The virtues of being 21!).
The virtue of being in such a small setting with Phillip was the ability to take some great photos. Here are a few more below:
I told Phil I had interviewed him a bunch of times. Given how many thousands of interviews he's done, I don't know if he made the connection at all. But that's understandable.
Watch a bit of him performing “Home”:
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By Rodney Ho, Radio & TV Talk
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38 comments Add your comment
Deirdre
September 3rd, 2012
11:49 am
Great pictures, Rodney! Thanks. As we talked about it on the phone, I think a January release is good for Idol. Just as their season is starting, last year’s winner comes out with his album, but I agree, I don’t see Phil tolerating any exec who thinks he should “mix it up a little”. Phil seems very steadfast in his opinion of what he should and shouldn’t be singing. Pretty sure that his “steadfastness” will keep him from becoming hugely popular.
Deirdre
September 3rd, 2012
11:50 am
In answer to Dan from the last thread, I think Idol’s appeal is its simplicity. And its familiarity. Its a comfortable show and a family show. Not sure the other 2 qualify in that area.
DanJ
September 3rd, 2012
1:22 pm
Completely agree Deirdre! That was what I was trying to say. Idol has a big niche in the market but the fact they’re going to 4 judges and the names being floated as judges make it seem that Idol is trying to be like the other shows not vise-versa. I do think Idol did had moments that weren’t exactly family oriented. A little over-the-top IMO.
Nutmeg
September 3rd, 2012
2:32 pm
@Deirdre–Phillip may be on the road to being a “niche” singer, but those often have more longevity than those who are trying to be more pop-radio friendly. He may rather have a career as a touring soloist in small venues over bigger venues leading to no venues.
That said, he may have hit the button with his style: Mumford and Sons, Fleet Foxes… he has some sounds in common with them, IMO.
glen
September 3rd, 2012
3:02 pm
Great pictures Rodney. Thanks for sharing! The new season of Idol will begin in Jan with all the buzz around the new judges panel. Ideally, Phillip should be the first performer guest when the show goes live in Feb.
Deirdre
September 3rd, 2012
3:21 pm
Nutmeg, completely agree. I wasn’t trying to be disparaging. I think Phil would be very uncomfortable with too much fame. I think he has a long career ahead of him in a relatively small market. He’s not going to be the next Kelly or Carrie but I think he really doesn’t want that.
Dan, I also agree with you. When I said that I was worried about Fox becoming more “intimately involved” with Idol, my first thought was that the powers that be would want to change Idol to be more, as G puts it, hip. I think that is a big mistake.
DanJ
September 3rd, 2012
3:57 pm
Deirdre, I do like changing all the judges on Idol although I think I would only have 3. With 4 you get into time being lost from either the singer or from Jimmy and/or Randy. If Idol brings back the save what happens in case of a tie?
I do think Idol has veered away from being a family show. It was risque at times. From comments from Steven, Clothing worn by J-Lo and some of the songs guests performed on the show. It’s not as risque as The Voice but not as far behind as one might think. If Nicki is signed then all bets are off! Nicki is nothing more than an attempt to bring the younger viewing audience back. It will probably work but will it cause some of the mature viewing audience to leave? Idol has a lot of faithful middle age viewers that may see the changes as negative. I’ll still watch but…too much change is not always a good thing!
Phillip Phillips’ Confirms That His Debut Album Won’t Be Released Until January | Jason the Gleek
September 3rd, 2012
5:24 pm
[...] American Idol‘s Phillip Phillips has been hard at work writing and recording for his debut album. Recently, he dropped a bombshell in an interview with WPLJ that the Interscope-produced disc would not be released until January or February 2013. He confirmed this tidbit in a new and brief interview with Access Atlanta. [...]
BettyB
September 3rd, 2012
6:23 pm
I liked Phillip from day one and I love to hear him sing – he is one of the few that I would pay to go to a concert or buy their music in any genre. PLEASE tell FOX to NOT change Idol into a CELEBRITY promotion…Jenniffer Lopez almost killed it for me-glad she is gone!
Seth T
September 4th, 2012
3:05 am
There was one of the J. Lo videos run on Idol. and a couple of the guest acts that had simulated fondling and suggestive moves that my Ladyfriend did not appreciate as her 9 and 11 year-old daughters watch with her at times. She knew well enough to shut it down when she seen who the acts were, so the kids would not see it. But those videos/acts were tame, compared to what Nickie Minaj says and does on her explicit videos.
I read somewhere that Ryan Seacrest was one who was pushing Kanye West for a judge a while back. Mariah supposedly wants Lenny Kravitz and other network PTB want Enrique. Nick Jonas is still a card on the table, as he would be the youngest of the names still supposedly on the short-list.
Watching some of the Idol Tour videos, Colton and DeAndre make good back-up singers for PP, on the “Home” song
A few of us were talking today about the singing reality shows over the past year, and this is just our personal consensus opinion of ranking them:
1. Idol – but could slip fast among older faithful viewers.if an Electro-Pop/ Hip-Hop/Rap main focus emerges.
2. The Voice – Gimmicks work through the first half of the season for entertainment, then it’s a battle of good back-up and 2nd/3rd chance singers. It’s just entertainment, nothing more to be expected.
3. X-Factor – Impressions from the first season were from “way below expectations” to a mean-spirited, incompetent production. Everyone does agree though, that Melanie is a great singer and has a chance for some level of success in the biz, with her multi-mil promo package. The new line-up and tweaks they are claiming, could help – but a much better top 17 is needed to improve the interest in the talent.
4. The Sing-off. (Already cancelled)
5. Duets – one really good singer left early for undisclosed reasons. The rest were too amatuer’ish, stage-struck or no real special sazz or star-power – not even as a duet partner. A complete fizzle. Did show that John Legend could be a good talent show judge though.
Highlander
September 4th, 2012
7:21 am
Melanie who?? …C’mon, man! People keep bringing her name up but that’s about all you hear of her – talk! Seriously, what have we really heard from her beyond the Super Bowl commercial from last February?!?
Same thing for Javier Colon and (so far) for Jermaine (sorry, already forgot his last name – and I liked him!) from The Voice.
While I do enjoy watching The Voice, it has a long way to go before it should actually be discussed as “competition” to Idol. And X-Factor will have to fight to earn my attention for more than one or two episodes. (As soon as Simon and his other judges/mentors start any bickering like last season, I’m out. They take wayyyy too much time from the contestants!)
Until one of these other shows have a winner with some real success, they will just be also-rans. Idol’s naysayers should keep in mind that, as it stands right now, Idol has a few 2nd, 3rd, 4th and even 5th place finishers who have had more success than the WINNERS of the other two shows!
Highlander
September 4th, 2012
7:24 am
Okay, “until one of these other shows HAS a winner…”
Deirdre
September 4th, 2012
7:42 am
Morning!
I hope everyone had a good holiday weekend.
I thought Duets should have been better received and I think it is possible that if Ryan or Cat or Tom had been the host, it would have been a bigger hit. The show had great, well-informed and helpful judges. The enthusiasm of the groups was infectious. The show’s biggest flaw was the host reading everything he said off the teleprompter.
Deirdre
September 4th, 2012
7:44 am
Nick Lachey is a nice guy but not a very good host. Between performances, he brought the energy level of the show down about 5 notches.
Sam-A
September 4th, 2012
8:47 am
D: Nick L wasn’t the host of “Duets” – some one name dude with waaaaay too much “enthusiam” had that duty.
Deirdre
September 4th, 2012
8:59 am
Sorry…brain-fart! I was talking about the Singoff, not Duets. Duets was a horrible show despite Kelly Clarkson.
Deirdre
September 4th, 2012
9:06 am
The word from XF is that Simon is mentoring the groups category and Marc Anthony will be his co-mentor.
Deirdre
September 4th, 2012
9:19 am
Re Simon and groups…my guess is that we weren’t the only people who noticed how icky that “casting couch” was.
Woodpappy
September 4th, 2012
9:21 am
Morning….Hey Rodney thanks for the pictures of PP. I think he will be around for a long time. Really liked the pic of you and PP together. You ought to have a nice collection going.
JTesla
September 4th, 2012
9:23 am
We go from icky “casting couch” to icky judging chair as he sits next to Demi. The commercials are already playing up that little flirt fest. An already troubled young woman next to an immoral old man with a appetite for… well you can paint the picture yourself.
Sam-A
September 4th, 2012
9:40 am
Whoa, JT – as many of us here can testify, Simon is a slimy b-tard, but he’s not THAT old!
I saw “Dark Knight” this weekend – Mercedes called it very well – so noisy and loud my ears are still ringing 2 days later! It needed to be cut down to 2 hours, mostly the Bane parts, and the sound brought down a few notches, and it’d been an ok movie. Way too much Bane/way too little Bruce W. Even with the flaws, I liked it better than that miserable #2 – maybe I’m in a small minority, but I hated the “Joker” thing, and thought the Oscar was a “dead guy honor” rather than for actual great acting. But, I do so enjoy Michael Caine – always a great addition to any movie he graces.
Breezy
September 4th, 2012
9:46 am
Good pictures of Phillip and video. I wish him continued success whether small or medium venues. I agree, I don’t think he wants the major spotlight. The movie trailer song for Clint Eastwood didn’t hurt. No matter how many times I have seen him perform Home , I find myself watching it again. Look forward to what he does in January.
Deirdre
September 4th, 2012
9:48 am
Where the heck is Mercedes? Off on another trip?
American Idol 11 Winner Philip Phillips’ Debut Album Reportedly Scheduled For January 2013 Release; Will It Affect Album Sales? | WritingShares.com
September 4th, 2012
9:57 am
[...] Rodney Ho Blog At Atlanta Journal-Constitution [...]
Sam-A
September 4th, 2012
10:00 am
Mercedes: Phone Home!
Haven’t seen it in at least 25 years, but watched “ET” this weekend (30th anniversary) – Still makes me cry buckets. Henry Thomas was such a darling little boy, to grow up kinda creepy looking.
JTesla
September 4th, 2012
10:02 am
I didn’t say he was “that” old, but the soon to be 53 year old is still old. Especially when compared to Demi.
Pitchy
September 4th, 2012
11:00 am
Good morning.
Sorry to interrupt the flow this morning, but Sam-A…..
Pretty Little Liars STUNNED me on some levels. The person I started to believe was behind the mischief panned out not to be. But, the writers purposely made me think it may have been this particular person. Anyway, where the heck did Toby come from. When I saw his face after he hugged his supposedly girlfriend, I knew he was up to no good! What a doucebag he is for plotting all this. And Mona, she’s psychotic to say the least. My child thanked me for continuing to record the show even though she said I didn’t need to. She was over there screaming at Toby (lol).
JTesla
September 4th, 2012
11:18 am
…
DanJ
September 4th, 2012
11:22 am
Did I miss something? Was Simon Cowell accused of sexual harassment or inappropriate conduct? It’s obvious that people don’t like him and morally he’ll never be confused with Billy Graham but I don’t he’d get involved with someone on his show, especially someone as young as Demi. Simon is rich and single and has a propensity for models in their twenties which last time I looked is his right and legal.
While I don’t agree with him on many things I don’t think he’s evil. After all he loves dogs! At least the four legged variety!
Sam-A
September 4th, 2012
11:24 am
Pitchy: Told ya so!! I had the baddie between Toby (who went to #1 after that “look”) and Ezra. I’m sure there are others involved as well. Hate we have to wait so long to continue this story!
Pitchy
September 4th, 2012
11:35 am
After that look, he was definitely #1. Let’s not forgot Lindon (better known as Nate). What an idiot of Emily to go to cabin with him. The way he responded to the other lady ignoring him and then when she shut him down to. Who goes away with a man after shutting him down? I still think one of the grownups are involved. Anyway, the show went out with a bang…literally.
Looking forward to next season and REVENGE will be here before we know it.
Ok, guys. I’m done with PLL talk.
JTesla
September 4th, 2012
11:38 am
DanJ, the most recent thing was that Simon had an affair with his X-Factor co-judge Dannii Minogue. Sure, only 12 years his junior, but he doesn’t have a problem with age, working relationship, or personal relationships. Maybe he’ll just get Demi to give him his vitamin IV infusion.
I don’t get the “he likes dogs” thing, and it’s not just you Dan lots of people are fooled by that. Some of the worst people I have ever known liked dogs, they didn’t like people, but they sure did like dogs.
DanJ
September 4th, 2012
11:47 am
@JTesla, I didn’t know about his relationship with Dannii Minogue. If he’s stupid enough to get involved with co-workers or employees then he does have a problem. And at somepoint lawsuits will follow! However I have never met someone who loved dogs who didn’t like people. Maybe I’m lucky! For the record I have 6 dogs! Sassy, Sunny, CoCo, Mitzi, Buddy & Bosco! Honestly I’d rather spend time with them than most people I know. At least I know they love me and not concerned about how much money is in the accounts.
DanJ
September 4th, 2012
11:50 am
@JTesla, forgot to mention I was being facetious about the dog comment. Dry attempt at humor on my part!
JTesla
September 4th, 2012
12:04 pm
LOL, watch out for Bosco DanJ… Bosco is more concerned with your money than he lets on.
Oh Bosco.
DanJ
September 4th, 2012
12:17 pm
@JTesla, No Bosco has only one concern…his food bowl. But I will USE him or Sassy on the dust jacket when I self-publish my book. If I know only one thing CUTE DOGS SELL!
Sam-A
September 4th, 2012
2:29 pm
DanJ: I’d guess Bosco’s main concern is pleasing his beloved Daddy, with the food bowl a secondary interest. Never known a dog whose main joy in life wasn’t pleasing his/her master and spending as much time as possible with the master.
Stricky
September 7th, 2012
3:08 pm
I am from Phillip’s hometown. He is the sweetest most down-to-earth person you will ever meet – and shy. He just loves playing music. He is happy for the success he is having and that people like to hear him play. He is very humble and comes from a good family. While he did audition for AI (and AGT, btw) and won Idol, he would be just as happy being a small touring act and making a decent living like someone mentioned above. He will always be our Phillip – a sweet, humble, down-to-earth Southern gentleman who loves his Mama and Daddy and sweet tea. WE LOVE YOU PHILLIP!!!!!