American Idol winner Phillip Phillips said he “hasn’t had time for too much fun lately,” but he took a break from the American Idols Live! tour at Mohegan Sun to perform a few medleys for 96.5 TIC listeners at our world-famous Acoustic Café this past Sunday.

The reigning champ has been compared to Dave Matthews while on the show, and his guitar abilities accompanying his award-winning voice made the crowd want to wave their lighters in the air.

Before singing his hit song “Home,” Phillip held a Q&A session with members of the audience.  When asked if what he did for fun, he replied “My fun is on the stage right now.”

Another TIC listener asked if American Idol producers tried to change his style, and how he was able to stay true to himself. He replied “They did try to change the way I wanted certain songs to sound, but I was able to say ‘No, no, this is the way I want the song to go.’ I was also able to work with the band.”

The crowd boomed with applause when Phillip finished his set with fan-favorite “Home.” After the show, Phillip posed for pictures with every listener. He appeared humbled when fans of the show gave him praise such as ‘You’re the man,’ ‘I love your style, stay you!’ and was grateful for a younger fan who said she stayed up “voting for hours to make sure you won!”

Phillip is currently on tour with the American Idol crew. His single “Home” is available now on iTunes.

-Cory Andersen, 96.5 TIC

Check out lots more great photos from the Acoustic Cafe with Phillip Phillips!