Katharine Hope McPhee (born March 25, 1984) is an American pop singer, songwriter, actress, model, and television personality. She gained fame as a contestant on the fifth season of the Fox reality show American Idol in 2006, eventually finishing as the runner-up.
Daughter of singer and vocal coach Peisha Arten and Daniel McPhee.
Lives in California.
Roommates with fellow idol contestant Kellie Pickler.
She sang “Since I Fell for You”, “All in Love is Fair”, and “Think” to advance to the top 12 of “American Idol: The Search for a Superstar” (2002).
Her older sister’s name is Adrianna.
Attended Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks and the Boston Conservatory of Music.
Her fans are known as “The Kat Pack” and “McPhans”.
She performs the song “Think”, originally sung by Aretha Franklin, on the “American Idol” top 12 CD.
She came in second place on May 24, 2006, next to “American Idol: The Search for a Superstar” (2002) season 5 winner Taylor Hicks.
Her hit single is “My Destiny”, to be released on June 20, 2006.
She won a car during the American Idol finale. It was a black Ford Mustang.
She has a goddaughter who was born during her run in Hollywood.
Attended Notre Dame High School in Los Angeles with Rachel Bilson and Kirsten Dunst.
She released her own version of “Over The Rainbow” along with her hit single, “My Destiny”.
In the opening dates of “The American Idol Tour 2006″, she suffered bronchitis, laryngitis, and broke her foot before an August 1 concert date.
Has a Chihuahua named Nina.
Ranked #47 on the Maxim magazine Hot 100 of 2007 list.
Battled with Bulimia eating disorder.
Engaged to Nick Cokas [September 28, 2007].
Married Nick Cokas in Beverly Hills, McPhee’s representative, Justin Grey Stone, told People Magazine. Former “American Idol” contestants Kellie Pickler and Mandisa Hundley were among the 305 wedding guests. (2 February 2008).
Grew up in the same neighborhood as her The House Bunny (2008) co-star Anna Faris, but never met until filming began.
Before being on Idol, she was a struggling actress trying to get a break.
She set-up “McPhee Outreach” to finance a school in Africa [2010].
Loves classical music.
