Philip Philips Dives into Pickleball: When you think of American Idol winners, the image that often comes to mind is of chart-topping hits and glamorous performances. For Philip Philips, however, his post-Idol life has taken an unexpected turn onto the pickleball court. Known for his soulful voice and hit singles, Philip Philips has embraced the sport of pickleball with the same enthusiasm he once brought to his music career. As he juggles touring and performing, Philips has found a new passion in the fast-growing sport, showing a dedication to competition and fitness that extends far beyond his musical achievements.
From the Stage to the Court: An Unexpected Journey
When American Idol winner Philip Philips first auditioned for the show, he never anticipated the route his life would take. Initially uninterested in the singing competition, Philips was nudged into trying out by his family. “I was like, ‘I don’t really want to be embarrassed in front of people,’” Philips recalls. However, he ended up making it through multiple rounds of auditions and performing in front of the judges, including Jennifer Lopez. His journey from local gigs to national fame was unexpected, yet it set the stage for his next passion: pickleball.
Pickleball Passion: A New Arena for Competition
Fast forward to today, Philips is not just known for his chart-topping hits but also for his love of pickleball. Despite the challenges of traveling and finding courts in different cities, he’s committed to the sport. “I like playing pickleball ALL around the nation!” Philips exclaims. He candidly shares the struggle of finding places to play, especially in extreme weather conditions like Denver’s recent snowstorm. Philips has turned to apps like Places to Play and Facebook groups to locate courts, admitting,
“The most of the time I’m only finding places to play maybe a couple of times a week.” – (Philips)
Philips’ dedication to staying active extends beyond pickleball. He and his bandmates often engage in other physical activities to maintain their fitness, such as racing and doing push-ups. “Me and my drummer specifically, we’re pretty competitive with each other in a healthy way,” Philips says, emphasizing his desire to remain active even on the road.
A Late Start in Music and a High School Connection
Reflecting on his earlier life, Philips reveals that he began playing baseball at the age of four, a sport he pursued until high school. It wasn’t until he was 14 that he discovered his passion for music, a late start compared to many of his peers. “I started really getting out of baseball pretty quick,” Philips notes.
His transition from baseball to music was influenced by his admiration for fellow high school student Buster Posey, who went on to achieve major league success. Philips admired Posey’s impact on the sport, noting how he “changed the whole game for baseball” at their school.
News in Brief: Philip Philips Dives into Pickleball
Philip Philips balances his musical career with his love for pickleball, finding joy in his performances and his time on the court. As he continues to tour and compete, his journey from American Idol to pickleball enthusiast highlights a unique blend of perseverance and passion.
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