Katharine McPhee

Biography: With striking looks and a strong singing voice, this California native was born to a cabaret-singer/vocal-coach mother, who groomed her for the spotlight from an early age. Following high school, McPhee enrolled in the music program at Boston Conservatory but dropped out her sophomore year at the behest of a manager who suggested she try her luck as an actress in Los Angeles. Her career stagnated until she won a spot on the fifth edition of American Idol. Although initially Simon Cowell didn't think she had the necessary singing chops, she began winning him over mid-season with her brassy vocals and telegenic appeal, and ultimately, she was named runner-up to winner Taylor Hicks. While her fans---the Kat Pack and McPhans---happily suffered from McPheever, her critics claimed she was more of an aspiring Broadway baby than a pop star in training. Those criticisms aside, she released the self-titled CD Katharine McPhee in 2007 and Unbroken in 2010 while also forging a career inWith striking looks and a strong singing voice, this California native was born to a cabaret-singer/vocal-coach mother, who groomed her for the spotlight from an early age. Following high school, McPhee enrolled in the music program at Boston Conservatory but dropped out her sophomore year at the behest of a manager who suggested she try her luck as an actress in Los Angeles. Her career stagnated until she won a spot on the fifth edition of American Idol. Although initially Simon Cowell didn't think she had the necessary singing chops, she began winning him over mid-season with her brassy vocals and telegenic appeal, and ultimately, she was named runner-up to winner Taylor Hicks. While her fans---the Kat Pack and McPhans---happily suffered from McPheever, her critics claimed she was more of an aspiring Broadway baby than a pop star in training. Those criticisms aside, she released the self-titled CD Katharine McPhee in 2007 and Unbroken in 2010 while also forging a career in acting, starring in the 2008 film The House Bunny and making TV appearances on CSI: NY and Community. Off the stage, she supports humanitarian efforts, working with Feeding America and helping victims of the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti.… Expand