Hannah Harper may have won American Idol this week, but runner-up Philmon Lee may have won a prize of an entirely different kind.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Lee performed two songs with Brent Smith, the frontman of the legendary rock band Shinedown. And while the expression on Lee's face during the performances of "Searchlight" and "Second Chance" showed that he was having the time of his life, Smith recently opened up about the experience of being on the show.
The Shinedown Singer Had "A Blast" on "American Idol"
Smith shared what his experience was like performing on American Idol with Lee with Parade, and it sounds like the Shinedown frontman had as much fun as his duet partner.
"It was such an honor to perform on this year's American Idol Finale... PHILMON is an absolute powerhouse!!!!" Smith told the outlet.
He added, "We had such a blast working with him, and we cannot wait to see what's next for him. And thank you to Carrie, Lionel, and Luke for representing the Rock N'Roll community. WE LOVE YOU!!!!"
Throughout the season, Lee tackled artists ranging from Lynyrd Skynyrd to Teddy Swims. Being able to hold his own against Smith proves Lee has the ability to go far in his career, despite not winning American Idol's top prize.
Shinedown Is "Everyone's Band"
Shinedown has had 22 singles top the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, which is a record. And its dedication to its fans is one of the reasons why it has grown in popularity over the years. The band said as much earlier this year when it announced it was pulling out of the Rock the Country Festival this summer.
"Shinedown is everyone's band. We feel that we have been given a platform to bring all people together through the power of music and song," the group wrote on social media," it wrote in a statement.
It added, "We have one boss, and it is everyone in the audience. Our band's purpose is to unite, not divide. With that in mind, we have made the decision that we will not be playing the Rock the Country festival.
"We know this decision will create differences of opinion. But we do not want to participate in something we believe will create further division. And to our fans, thank you for supporting and believing in us.
"We love and appreciate you always."
