Singer-songwriter, Phillip Phillips, is scheduled to appear at Shippensburg University’s H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center on Thursday Sept. 18, at 8 p.m. Phillips, who is best known for his Season 11 win on “American Idol,” just recently released his second studio album, “Behind the Light,” in May.
Not long after the release of “Behind the Light” which features his lead single “Raging Fire,” the 23-year-old singer announced his Fall Tour which will kick off in West Point, New York, on Sept. 12. The tour consists of 38 shows across the U.S., ending in Phoenix.
Phillips who was born in Albany, Georgia. began playing music at age 14. Growing up, he listened to mainly ’60s and ’70s music, gaining inspiration from artists like Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix. Phillips was mentored by his good friend and brother-in-law, Benjamin Neil, whom he has credited for sparking his interest in music. Phillips not only sings and writes his own music but he also plays guitar. Mastering riffs from classic-rock tracks such as Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train.”
In 2012, Phillips auditioned for “American Idol” in Savannah, Georgia, and sang Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition.” The judges, who at the time included Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler, asked him to play a second song but this time with his guitar. He then played one of Michael Jackson’s hit songs, “Thriller.” Phillips became the Season 11 winner of “American Idol” beating out Jessica Sanchez, after a record breaking total of 132 million votes.
After his win on “American Idol,” Phillips went on to perform at the opening game of the 2012 World Series where he sang the “Star Spangled Banner.” In May 2012, the “American Idol” winner released his coronation song “Home” which was an instant success, selling more than 4 million copies in the U.S. alone and becoming a platinum smash hit.
Today, “Home” marks the most successful coronation song of any “American Idol” winner to date. The song has been featured in various commercials, TV shows and film trailers. “Home” was also nominated for the “Top Rock Song” at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards.
Shortly after the success of “Home,” Phillips released his first debut album, “The World from the Side of the Moon.” The album then became certified platinum in August 2013.
Since then, Phillips has toured with numerous artists including Matchbox Twenty, John Mayer and O.A.R. He has also performed at the International Music Festival, “Rock in Rio,” alongside Bruce Springsteen and John Mayer.
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