Phillip Phillips + Jimmy Iovine Share Billboard Cover

After a few lean years, 'American Idol' is once again a hit factory. Billboard celebrates this fact with its first 2013 cover featuring Season 11 winner (and platinum-seller) Phillip Phillips and Interscope head honcho (and 'Idol' advisor) Jimmy Iovine. Don't they both look oh-so-serious?

With Scotty McCreery becoming a legit country superstar after winning Season 10, folk rocker Phillips swooped in, playing guitar while looking adorbs. He beat belter Jessica Sanchez since his style -- neo folk that falls in line with the Lumineers or Mumford and Sons, all the while having a mainstream, pop appeal -- is very current and heartfelt. His "aw shucks" demeanor won the ladies over. Just ask Julianne Hough.

His coronation song 'Home' is a monster hit that still has legs, while his album 'The World From the Side of the Moon' is enjoying continued success. That's why the singer earned this cover. Under Iovine's tutelage, 'Idol' is both vital and viable again.

Check out our exclusive chat with Phillips here.

Watch the Phillip Phillips 'Home' Video