25-year-old Philmon Lee stepped into Hollywood Week on American Idol determined to transform from a reserved audition standout into a full-fledged entertainer with an impressive cover of “Lose Control” by Teddy Swims.
Viewers first met the 25-year-old life insurance agent from LaGrange, Georgia during auditions on American Idol, where he delivered a soaring cover of “When A Man Loves A Woman” by Michael Bolton. His rich tone and effortless control earned praise from judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan. Still, Underwood and Bryan both noted one small but important detail, Philmon Lee kept his hands in his pockets, limiting his stage presence and connection.
Going into his Hollywood Week performance, Philmon Lee admitted that he needed to show off his ability to entertain and was fully aware of the need to grow as a performer.
“It is a lot more than just three people in those chairs out there,” Lee admitted of the importance of the Idol judges. “My knees are shaking. Dude. My audition the first time I had my hands in my pockets… I got to make sure to keep those out. I need to show them more of my charisma, I guess, on stage. And I hope they’ll be able to see me move around a little bit more and be more of an entertainer.”
During rehearsals, he was candid about his confidence struggles but clear about his long-term goals.
“I’m not too confident,” he shared, before adding, “I enjoy insurance. I enjoy hooking families out, but at the end of the day, music’s my first passion and that’s why I’m here.”
With his parents watching from the side stage area, the pressure was on.
Taking on “Lose Control” by Teddy Swims, Lee stepped onto the stage with visible nerves, but what followed was a complete transformation.
Despite the pre-performance jitters, Lee showcased newfound confidence and delivered a powerhouse rendition of the chart-topping hit, highlighting the depth and grit in his vocals. Gone were the hands-in-pockets tendencies. Instead, he commanded the stage.
His incredible performance of the Teddy Swims hit was met with praise from Lionel Richie, who was admittedly stunned by his transformation.
“Who posessed you. I mean, you kind of walk out and then you open your mouth and you turn into somebody else and I’m telling you, that somebody else we love,” Richie said. “You walked out here and knocked us right out.”
Underwood described him as “unassuming,” while Bryan added, “shocker.”
“That right there was ten times better than I was expected,” Lee admitted to the show’s producers after his performance.
Ultimately, Lee earned a coveted spot in the Golden Room, placing him one step closer to securing a place in the Top 30.
After learning his fate, the Georgia native could hardly contain his excitement. “I’m on Cloud 9 right now, or whatever the phrase is,” Lee said.