With striking looks and a strong — if sometimes out of control and off-pitch — voice, this California native was born to a cabaret-singer/vocal-coach mother, who groomed her for the spotlight from an early age. After 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. Not much happened until she won a spot on the fifth edition of
American Idol. Although initially Simon Cowell didn't think she had what it took, she began winning him over mid-season with her brassy vocals and comely appearance, and ultimately, she was named runner-up. While her fans — the Kat Pack and McPhans — happily suffered from McPheever, her critics insisted she was more of an aspiring Broadway baby than a pop star in training.
Katharine McPhee Fast Facts:
- Mother is a cabaret singer and vocal coach who helped Katharine hone her craft.
- At her initial audition for American Idol, she sang an a cappella version of God Bless the Child.
- Her American Idol fan frenzy was branded "McPheever."
- Cites Gene Kelly as one of her idols.
- In June 2006, she disclosed that she had suffered from bulimia for years but sought treatment once she made it on to American Idol.
- Missed several concerts during the American Idol tour due to severe bronchitis and laryngitis. She also suffered a hair-line fracture in her left foot after tripping backstage at one of the concerts.
- Kellie Pickler was a bridesmaid at her wedding to Nick Cokas.
- Katharine McPhee Relationships:
- Adriana - Sister
- Daniel McPhee - Father
- Nick Cokas - Husband
- Peisha McPhee - Mother
- College:
- Attended Boston Conservatory of Music, Boston, MA
