Phillip Phillips

Phillips started playing music, particularly the guitar, when he was 14. He was mentored by his long-time friend and brother-in-law, Benjamin Neil, whom he credited for piquing his interest in music. In 2009, he formed the Phillip Phillips Band with Neil and another brother-in-law, Todd Urick, and performed in various local venues and events. He won a local singing competition, "Albany Star", in 2010. Phillips said his favorite singer is Jonny Lang, and other favorites include John Butler, Dave Matthews and Damien Rice, and he also enjoyed Mumford & Sons and Tool. He said that he grew up mainly listening to 60's and 70's music like Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin. He then said as he grew up, "Then as I got older I found Damien Rice and Dave Matthews and John Butler, which is what really set it off for me in terms of finding my voice as a musician." He described his music as "jazz and rock alternative sound". Prior to trying out for American Idol, he also auditioned on the second season of America's Got Talent but did not make it to its finals.