American Idol Winner Phil Phillips: “It Hasn’t Sunk In Yet”

Phillip Phillips

Phillips performs during the American Idol finale

21-year-old Phil Phillips crowned the American Idol season 11 winner

Phillip Phillips still hasn’t fully absorbed the fact that he is the newest American Idol winner. Just minutes after being crowned the Season 11 champion, beating out 16-year-old Jessica Sanchez, Phillips tells reporters backstage at the Nokia Theater that he can’t believe what happened.

“I don’t really feel anything,” he says. “It’s amazing — this whole situation is so unbelievable. It’s so unreal, man. It hasn’t sunk in yet! It’s such a blessing and I am trying to comprehend it all.”

In fact, Phillips’ mind went a little blank after Ryan Seacrest read the good news. During the performance of his coronation single, Home, he didn’t actually realize what was happening. “I wasn’t thinking about anything — I wasn’t really wanting to sing or anything. I just started thinking about the journey and how far all of us have been.”

As catchy as the single is, Phillips says his future album won’t sound too similar. “No, I don’t really write stuff like that. But it’s a very good song and a very good writer. I’m glad people enjoy it but I’m excited to do my own stuff.”

It’s been almost a year since Phillips first auditioned for Idol, and he says he could never have imagined coming so far. “Honestly I didn’t think I would make it to the judges. I have no shame in saying I’m not a great singer. I just love having fun up on stage with the guys, and just playing good music, getting the crowd into it. Music’s fun. It takes away from all the hard feelings that are around.”

Phillips says his fantastic support system has helped him through the season, especially throughout his health troubles. “It means a lot to be supported by your family and people who love you,” he says. “It’s just a blessing to have a good family like that. My sisters, my brother in laws, my nieces, my girlfriend, my mom and dad and everybody. Just great people.”

There will be plenty of time for Phillips to adjust to his new title during the coming weeks, where he’ll go from interview to interview, but the 21-year-old says he’ll probably have another emotional moment or two as he spends his first night as the new American Idol. “I hate crying, but I’ll probably cry some more. It feels good sometimes.”