When it comes to American Idol "goodbye" or "send-off" songs -- you know, the tunes that are played each season as the contestants are sent home -- Idol likes to keep it all in the family.  The show usually turns to one of its alumni for the "boot" song, and this year is no different: Idol will be using Phillip Phillips' "Gone Gone Gone."

The song is Phillip's new single from his album The World from the Side of the Moon, and it's the follow-up to his quadruple platinum smash "Home."  As previously reported, Phillip will perform the song on the March 14 results show.

The tradition of American Idol "send-off" songs started during season five, when Daniel Powter's "Bad Day" was used, and became a massive hit.  Since then, the "send-off" songs have had varying success.  They include:

Season 6: "Home" by Daughtry     
Season 7: "Celebrate Me Home" by Ruben Studdard  [Kenny Loggins cover]   
Season 8: "Home Sweet Home" by Carrie Underwood [Motley Crue cover]   
Season 9:  "Leave Right Now" by Will Young [first winner of Pop Idol, the show American Idol's based on]
Season 10: "Don't You (Forget About Me)" by David Cook [Simple Minds cover]
Season 11: "Please Remember Me" by Scotty McCreery [Tim McGraw cover]

Phillip is just finishing up his tour with Matchbox Twenty, and next month, he kicks off a headlining college tour.

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