Singer-songwriter Phil Phillips is from Leesburg, Georgia and was the winner of the eleventh season of American Idol. He graduated from Albany Technical College with a major in Industrial Systems Technology, but missed the graduation due to his obligations to Idol. Prior to appearing on the show, he worked at his family’s pawn shop. In 2009, he formed the Phillip Phillips Band with Neil and performed in various local venues and events. He won a local singing competition, “Albany Star,” in 2010. He describes his music as “jazz, rock alternative sound.” His performance style has been compared to Dave Matthews, and Phillips covered one of his songs, “The Stone,” during the competition. Phillips became the winner on the finale of American Idol on May 23, 2012 against Jessica Sanchez after a record-breaking total of 132 million votes were cast. His coronation song, “Home,” was released after his performance and had the biggest digital sales week for any Idol winner’s coronation song. With Behind the Light following in early 2014, and featuring the top ten hit “Ranging Fire,” he’s supported both albums with extensive worldwide touring, including a 2016 co-headlining run with Matt Nathanson. Phillips has also toured with John Mayer, shared the stage with Bruce Springsteen at the Rock in Rio festival and supported the Goo Goo Dolls’ summer 2017 national summer tour. Phillips released his newest album Collateral in January 2018. Phillips tours the globe.