American Idol Runner-Up, Katharine McPhee, Speaks with Associated Content

Katharine McPhee was the runner-up to Taylor Hicks on American Idol's Season 5. Katharine was quoted in news publications: "I don't need any sad faces or anyone to feel bad for me. It wasn't about winning the title. I just wanted to give the best performance I could."

Her debut single, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/My Destiny," was released on June 27, 2006, by RCA Records. It peaked at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100.

On June 6, 2006, Sony BMG and 19 Entertainment announced that McPhee had signed to American Idol series creator Simon Fuller's 19 Recordings Limited and Sony BMG's RCA Records. Her self-titled CD Katharine McPhee will be in stores Jan. 30, 2007. Fans cannot wait to get the CD of their favorite Idol contestant.

McPhee was born in the Los Angeles in the neighborhood of Sherman Oaks. She has been singing since the age of two. She auditioned in San Francisco and sang Billie Holiday's "God Bless the Child."

McPhee toured with Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, and performed in three of his concerts during his tour in the United States from June 9 through June 11, 2006. The duo performed "The Prayer and "Somos Novios"/"It's Impossible" In June 2006.

I spoke with McPhee over the phone on Jan. 16:

What have been the best and worst moments of this past year?

Katharine: I would say the best would be the whole experience of Idol there are some great moments with Idol overall; it's such a positive thing. But when the show was, finished I was relieved that it was over. That was one of the best.

I would say that the worst would be coming off of Idol and then becoming really fatigued and then my vocal cords and then breaking my foot right after that. Those were a few rough couple of months for me.

So is everything going all right now?

Katharine: Yes, everything is fine.

There are rumors about you playing in the movie Wicked directed by Steven Spielberg; is it true?

Katharine: I haven't heard that one.

What was the most challenging song on the album to record and which was the most enjoyable?

Katharine: There's a song on my record called "Dangerous" that we recorded more than once and I got really frustrated with the song. It wasn't turning out the way we wanted. That song was very frustrating for me. The most enjoyable would probably be "Neglected" and "Open Toes."

What is your dream of what your career will be like in 10 years?

Katharine: Wow! I was just asked that same question a little bit ago. I would say to be able to say I consistently worked. That is really important to me. I think there aren't a ton of people who can say that they consistently worked. Probably like 1 or 2 percent of actors actually work consistently. For me, I would just like to able to say that I did this and that. I want the freedom to do a lot of things that I want to do.

Are there any artists that you would like to work with on future projects. If so, who?

Katharine: I would like to work with Fergie. I think that would be fun. I would like to work with Babyface again and I would like to work with Chad Hugo.

How has the last year changed you as an artist?

Katharine: Well, I think I have stayed pretty true to who I am. But I defiantly feel like I have learned a lot more. I have experienced a lot more in the business and I kind of have more of an idea of what I want to do in the business.

Which out of ALL the songs you've recorded is your favorite?

Katharine: That would probably be "Neglected."

Do you plan to tour doing any concerts?

Katharine: I'd like to. It really depends on if I were able to. There hasn't been any really specific talk about that but I hope so.

International fans are eager to get their hands on your debut CD. Do you know if the CD will be released and shipped overseas?

Katharine: Yes, there will be plans for that. I don't know exactly when but we would like to release it to be overseas. If that's possible, that will be great.

During Season 5, you all seemed to be such great friends. Which of the girls were you closest to and which of the guys?

Katharine: I was closest to Kellie Pickler probably. I was pretty good friends with Chris Daughtry. He's a really sweet guy.

What would be a perfect day for you?

Katharine: Wake up and be able to go to a movie set. I would have a couple perfect days. Like in ten years from now I would love to go home and sleep in my own bed and come home to kids and that kind of stuff. That's way down the line though (laughing).

So you definitely want to do movies later?

Katharine: Yes.

Do you have any plans of any certain movie yet or had any offers?

Katharine: No. We're just looking right now.

I would like to thank J Records and Fanscape for setting the Interview up and to thank Katharine McPhee for taking the time to talk with me.