For the first time in three years, Philip Philips released new music and this single represents something bigger than just another new song to top charts.
The American Idol season 11 winner has been embroiled in legal battles that has delayed him from releasing any new music.
"It has been a tough three years, but it feels so good to have this song out," Phillips, 26, tells PEOPLE exclusively. "We have so much more to come."
In January 2015, Philips filed a petition with the California Labor Commissioner to get out of his contract claiming he was manipulated by 19 Entertainment and its affiliated companies.
The 27-year-old singer challenged the contracts he had to sign as a condition of competing on the show that forced him into accepting jobs that were a benefit to the company and its affiliates and not to him. The legal ramifications put an end to producers attempting to take a portion of the reality star's post-show earnings.
He said that he was required to perform for free for an Idol sponsor as well as give up 40% of his earnings on endorcements, nor did he know the name of his album Behind the Light, until it was released to the public.
"I am very grateful for the opportunities provided to me through appearing on American Idol," Phillips writes, according to THR. "The value that the fans and the show have given to my career is not lost on me. However, I have not felt that I have been free to conduct my career in a way that I am comfortable with."
19 Entertainment later filed for bankruptcy once American Idol was cancelled. The show was later rebooted on ABC, and Philips worked out a deal amicably.
The settlement however could cloud the show's ability to monetize the relationship with aspiring singers. American Idol is one of the most expensive productions on television.
The new single "Miles" is his first since settling the lawsuit against the show's producers 19 Entertainment.
To the singer, the song is a representation of his journey about now being able to put his legal drama behind him so he can focus on his music again.
"Miles, the first single, is about going through change, but not being alone while it's happening. Just knowing that there is always light after dark," he wrote on Instagram.
"My wife has definitely been a big support and the song is really about [us] because she was with me through all of this these past few years," Phillips says of his longtime love Hannah Blackwell, whom he married in October 2015. "It's about sticking together, powering through and getting to this point that we're at right now."
The Home singer's newest album is a hodgepodge of several different genres including, rock, country, R&B and blues.
When he's not in the studio writing and recording, he's touring with with Goo Goo Dolls throughout the month of September.
"I'm seeing fans are still sticking with me even though it has been three years, and I'm just thrilled," he says. "I'm still able to keep living my dream."
Source: People / Hollywood Reporter / TV Guide
