by Todd Betzold

 

Considered a frontrunner the whole season, Phillip Phillips took home the crown last night, as he was announced the winner of Season 11 of American Idol. It is a tough road to travel for any contestant on Idol, but Phillip endured a lot more as he fought his way to victory while struggling with severe kidney problems the whole time. It was all worth it, as he walks away the winner and his new recording contract in hand. Today, Phillip talked to RealityWanted and other reporters in a conference call about his victory, his new album and much more.

 

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: Besides of course being announced the winner of Season 11, what was your most favorite moment from this whole season, either on-camera or off-camera?
A. Phillip: Honestly, meeting everyone throughout the show. I just met so many types of people and everyone is so nice and they really want to help you out...that's PA's, camera guys...everybody...it was just so awesome to meet everybody throughout the whole process.

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: What are you most excited about for the summer tour with the Top 10?
A. Phillip: Probably just getting out there...it's going to be fun. Hopefully the crowds enjoy it. I probably won't be singing a whole lot because it's going to be a lot of pop-jam music (laughs).

 

 

 

Q. You're probably relieved it's over?
A. Phillip: Yeah I am...it's kind of crazy it's over too. I have a whole new schedule I'm getting used to.

 

Q. Now that it's over, do you feel the need to have mainstream success and how do you deal with that?
A. Phillip: It's pretty crazy, but I'm not trying to be or do something too mainstream. That's not me...if it happens to get mainstream, that's cool. It would be cool that people enjoy the music that I put out and I'm excited to get my record out.

 

Q. Other than the performances you were involved with last night, what was your favorite moment from last night?
A. Phillip: Probably Jessica and Jennifer's performance...man that thing was outstanding.

 

Q. How did the choice of your winning song, "Home," come about? Did they give you many options?
A. Phillip: No, not really. They picked that song out for me and they felt it was the right fit for me. I wanted to do one of my own songs that I've written...in the short amount of time, we really couldn't do it because it's recorded live and everything. It's a good song...it's not really something I would write, but I'm glad people like it because it is a good song and a good writer.

 

Q. How would you describe your album to be like?
A. Phillip: Kind of like jazz and rock and acoustic stuff...be a little different though. I'm excited to get it out there...it's going to be cool.

 

Q. I know you had your girlfriend with you last night. How does she feel about this all? Is she going to be going with you on tour?
A. Phillip: Yeah, she's excited for me...she's helped me out a lot through this. Maybe she'll be able to come on tour with me...that'd be cool to have her there...love her to death.

 

Q. Your emotions really took over after you were announced the winner...did that surprise you?
A. Phillip: Oh man...I really didn't want to sing or anything...I was just so shocked. I just started thinking about the whole Top 12...some of the things that I hold dearly. It's just amazing...it got me a little emotional.

 

Q. What were you thinking when Ryan announced your name? What were your first thoughts?
A. Phillip: Honestly, I don't think I had any thoughts...I was shocked and just overwhelmed. I had to process it all. I don't know what I was thinking the whole rest of the night, honestly.

 

(Image courtesy of FOX)

 

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