'American Idol' Finalist Phillip Phillips Given Yamaha CPX700-12 Guitar During Hometown Visit

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As part of American Idol tradition, the finalists make trips to their respective hometowns at this point in the competition.

Such was the case when finalist Phillip Phillips returned to his hometown of Leesburg, Georgia, on May 12.

While he was there, Jerry Portman of Portman's Music in Georgia handed Phillips a new Yamaha CPX700-12 guitar. Depending on how the show is edited, the exact moment might be shown on Wednesday night's broadcast.

People came from as far away as Pennsylvania to see Phillips, who appeared at the local football stadium and performed with his old bandmates.

Photos: Gail Webb

Damian Fanelli
Damian Fanelli
Editor-in-Chief, Guitar World

Damian is Editor-in-Chief of Guitar World magazine. In past lives, he was GW’s managing editor and online managing editor. He's written liner notes for major-label releases, including Stevie Ray Vaughan's 'The Complete Epic Recordings Collection' (Sony Legacy) and has interviewed everyone from Yngwie Malmsteen to Kevin Bacon (with a few memorable Eric Clapton chats thrown into the mix). Damian, a former member of Brooklyn's The Gas House Gorillas, was the sole guitarist in Mister Neutron, a trio that toured the U.S. and released three albums. He now plays in two NYC-area bands.

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