Born Phillip LaDon Phillips, Jr. on September 20, 1990 in Albany, Georgia, Phillip Phillips began playing music at age 14. He graduated from Albany Technical College and had been employed in his family’s pawn shop. In 2009, he formed the Phillip Phillips Band with his two brother-in-laws; they performed in local venues and at local events. Phillips won a local singing competition in 2010, then on American Idol during its 11th season on May 23, 2011 he was voted its winner. His debut album The World from the Side of the Moon was released on November 19, 2012. The album’s single Home was hugely successful. The single debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. To date, it has the biggest digital sales week for any Idol winner's coronation songs, and it has sold more than all other Idol coronation songs. Phillips’ favorite singer is Johnny Lane. He is a fan of Dave Matthews, John Butler, Damien Rice, and the bands Mumford & Sons, and Tool.  He describes his music as jazz with a rock alternative sound.