Often accused of being a ‘Dave Matthews Impersonator’, Phillip finally wins over the legion of Ants voters with a song choice that may have had the opposite effect he intended.
Since Phillip Phillips hit the national spotlight, he’s been taking some major lumps in certain corners of the internet for being ‘too much like Dave Matthews’. His detractors have shown their displeasure with the American Idol Judges who are always quick to praise Phillip for his originality, while Dave fans see him as a knockoff of their hero. Tonight, the elephant in the closet came out to play. In what I considered an almost impossible move, Dave Matthews allowed one of his songs to be covered on American Idol.
In the last month, Phillip has been through quite a bit emotionally. His kidney issues have been rearing their head again, the ever increasing demands of the show, and strains on his relationship have not made it easy on him. This week, there is a very strong chance Phillip was ready to go home and that may have shown in this song choice.
You see, Phillip never wanted to WIN American Idol. He was totally blown away when he got a golden ticket, knowing that he is not the ‘pop star’ or ‘country singer’ that typically succeeds on Idol. Phillip was just excited to be able to play his music in front of a big audience. Being an ‘idol’ or a ‘superstar’ has never been important to Phillip. He just wants to play HIS music. Most people are unaware that Phillip has over 150 songs written by him and he really just wants to play those originals and if you like them and he can eek out a living from it, that’ would make him happy.
Or was this a song that simply resonates with where he is right now in regards to the show or the increasing pressures from back home?
I think it’s a little of both.
Phillip never wanted to win American Idol. Enough exposure to get a record exec to notice him is all he ever wanted.
Now he finds himself picked as the front runner in this big commercial musical establishment that is American Idol.
Phillip knew he might be voted off after doing this obscure (except to a DMB fan) song. I don’t think he cares. Phillip could have picked one of Dave’s big hits like ‘Crash’ and had his female fan base swooning and pushed himself to the top again. Instead, he choose to pay tribute to the man who most influenced him musically with what may be one of the finest songs Dave ever wrote, but was not successful commercially. The critics loved the song when Dave released it, but not mainstream America.
That is very much what makes Phillip Phillips who he is.
Suspicion that things here are not as they seem
Oh reassure me
Why do I feel as if I’m in too deep
Oh, I’ve been praying
For some way to show them I’m not what they see
Yes I have done wrong
But what I did I thought needed be done
I swear
Oh unholy day
If I leave now I might get away
Oh but this weighs on me
As heavy as stone and as blue as I go
I was just wondering if you’d come along
To hold up my head when my head won’t hold on
I’ll do the same if the same’s what you want
But if not I’ll go
I will go alone
This morning, Dave fans were singing Phillips praises. Astounded that this guy had the balls to get up on a national stage and in some ways ‘flip off’ the show and gamble his chances of coming back next week, just so he could do something he always wanted to do.
As the show opened last night, Phillip knew it might be his last Wednesday. Instead, he has grabbed yet another voting block. Phillip is now, more than ever the anti hero of American Idol. Strongly entrenched as an alternative musician, but one that has legions of female fans who will vote for him each week regardless of what his performance is like. All he has to do is one song with mass appeal and he could fart the second song to advance from here on out.
What do I want for Phillip? Whatever he wants. But can I be selfish and say that I hope he hangs around for the top three? I hope he doesn’t win it. But I also hope he does some old Joe Cocker for me. This guy doesn’t need to be tied to American Idol for 10 years.
Godspeed Phillip Phillips. Be yourself, but know that America may demand you win this thing.
It is ESSENTIAL that you listen to the STUDIO RECORDING of last nights song. It’s amazing. It’s beautiful. It’s the best thing I’ve ever heard Phillip do.
I loved him singing this song!!
I like some of DM music but I have to say I really did like Phillip singing this one although I would never listen to DMB sing it. I think he did an awesome job,,,,,,,,,,staying true to himself.
this song really showed off his talent!
Totally agree with you on his song from last night! Me and my hubby LOVED it! Thanks for sharing the studio version! I too want for him what he wants out of all of this. He certainly has my support!
Oh brother! He gives what most people say is the worst performance of the season and you are implying he did this on purpose to throw the competition because he never wanted to win????!!!
quite a few people say the second song may have been the BEST performance ever. And no, I didnt say he wanted to throw it. I think he simply wants to be himself, and let the cards fall where they may. If he leaves right now, I dont think he cares. If the voters love what he is doing, then he will be the next American Idol. He’s ot going to compromise himself. He will not be in the bottom three tonight, regardless of if you think it was his worst ever
Rob, I totally agree with your statements and I got that impression about three shows ago.
Nothing against the guy but if it wasnt for his good looks he would already be gone. He just doesn’t have that great of a voice in my opinion.
Myra Butler Dwayne Mouton totally fair comment. However, lots of musicians ‘make it big’ who never had a ‘great voice’. A musician is much more than just their voice.
I agree. He would definitely be better off not winning so he could have some control over his career.
Folks, meet the next Danny Gokey.