Phillip Phillips to Return to American Idol Again

While five women compete this week to be named the next American Idol, the guy who currently holds the title is heading back to the show.

Fox has announced that Phillip Phillips, who performed on the show earlier this season, will return to American Idol May 15 for part one of the annual two-part finale.  Carly Rae Jepsen is also on the bill for this particular show.

Phillip, of course, has been a big presence on the show this season, since his song "Gone Gone Gone" is being used as the "goodbye song" that's played as each contestant is booted off the show.  Phillip says that the song, the follow-up to his multi-platinum single "Home," is being taken to heart by his fans, though it seems to mean different things to different people.

"I've heard some different meanings, Like if people lost a loved one or something, or gained a loved one, or whatnot. So it's always interesting to me to hear stories from the music that comes out."

Phillip is performing "Gone Gone Gone" every night, along with other tracks from his hit debut album, during his current tour, which runs through the middle of May.  And he says he still can't get over the fact that people are singing along with songs that he himself wrote.

"Oh, it means the world,  You know, 'cause it's very nerve-wracking to put yourself out there like that. It's very personal...and people are singing the songs with me out and about at shows. It's still strange for me because I'm not used to it  but it makes you feel good that they're connected with it."