Katharine McPhee is one of a handful of artists who takes the lead in a career that includes film, television, Broadway, recording and touring.
Katharine first burst onto the scene during a storied run on Season 5 of American Idol (2006), finishing in second place.
As a recording artist, Katharine's first single, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/My Destiny," debuted at #2 on Billboard's Hot Singles Sales chart. Propelled by the gold-certified single, "Over It," her 2007 self-titled album debuted at #2 on the Billboard Top 200. She has also released 4 additional solo albums, Unbroken (2010), Christmas Is the Time to Say I Love You (2010), Hysteria (2015), and I Fall In Love Too Easily (2017). In her most recent release, she teamed up with her husband, legendary producer David Foster, to release Christmas Songs, first as an 7-song EP in 2022 and then as a completed full-length album in 2023. The collection featured their rendition of "Jingle Bell Rock," which become a top 10 Adult Contemporary radio hit.
Katharine is currently working on her seventh studio album, expected for release in 2025.
As an actress, she is well-known to television audiences for starring in the CBS drama series Scorpion (2014-2018) and as one of the leads in the NBC musical drama Smash (2012-2013), executive produced by Steven Spielberg. She also starred in the Netflix comedy series, Country Comfort (2021).
McPhee’s additional television credits include the ABC/Hallmark Hall of Fame television film, In My Dreams (2014), and Lifetime original movie, The Lost Wife of Robert Durst (2017). She has guest-starred in the series CSI:NY, Community, Family Guy, and Ugly Betty.
McPhee’s feature film credits include The House Bunny (2008), Shark Night 3D (2011), You May Not Kiss the Bride (2011), Bayou Caviar (2018), and The Tiger Rising (2022).
A sought-after performer, Katharine has taken the stage for various PBS broadcasts throughout the years, including Foster and Friends, Chris Botti In Boston, and headlining her own SoundStage special. She is featured in the concert special Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration singing “Can’t Help Falling in Love” with the iconic tenor.
In Spring 2018, McPhee made her Broadway debut starring as Jenna in the hit musical Waitress, featuring music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles. She then moved on to originate the leading role in the West End production of the show in London in 2019. She later returned to star in the show one last time during the final weeks of its original run on Broadway from November 2019 through its closing on January 5, 2020.
In addition to her acting and singing career, McPhee is a passionate philanthropist, having served as an ambassador for organizations such as BuildOn, Malaria No More, and Feeding America.
Katharine released her own jewelry line, KMF Jewelry, in 2022.
McPhee was born and raised in Los Angeles. Her birth date is March 25. She is married to producer David Foster and the couple have a son, Rennie, born in February 2021.
