This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Phillip Phillips, 22, won the 2012 season of "American Idol," basically becoming the fifth guitar-playing white guy in a row to take the title.
While Scotty McCreery has had a successful country career — he performed at Provo's Stadium of Fire in 2012 — David Cook, Kris Allen and Lee DeWyze haven't been able to match the popularity they enjoyed while on the show.
But Phllips has bucked the trend.
His bona-fide hit "Home" is the top-selling coronation song in "Idol" history, beating out Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood.
In a phone interview, the Georgia native and former pawn-shop cashier said when it came time to record his first album, it was important for him to write his own songs, despite some telling him he should just record songs written by others.
"I told them I'm not that kind of artist," Phillips said.
He found an advocate in "Idol" mentor Jimmy Iovine and ended up writing or co-writing nine of the 12 tracks on "The World from the Side of the Moon."
"I didn't care to fit in," Phillips said. "No one knows you unless they know who you are."
Churchill opens.
When • Wednesday, March 27, at 7:30 p.m.Where • UCCU Center, 800 W. University Parkway, OremTickets • $20 at SmithsTix