Katharine McPhee - 2006 American Idol Finalist Katharine McPhee

Tonight American Idol announced their 2006 finalists - 12 men and 12 women; and tonight confirmed my early contest beliefes - Katherine McPhee is my favorite American Idol of 2006. Shes cute. Shes spunky. She comes from singer pedigree. And she can belt. Katherine McPhee is the dark haired, big-smiling singer who Randy, Simon and Paula strung out tonight before announcing her qualification. After learning that she'd made the next round, she promptly hugged Paula - and even kissed her on the lips! At that point, Simon asked if he was allowed (why not?! she's cute and he's done it before) and Simon and Katherine McPhee lip locked. Then, Randy wanted to join the party and gave her a big smooch. Katherine ran off with a huge smile and bragged to the group that - even better than making it to the next round - she got to kiss the judges and Randy was the best... She described his lips as "Luscious." Go Katherine.   

Feb. 20th Katherine McPhee Update

Fox posted their Katherine McPhee factoids - the night before the first week of voting begins (Tuesday is the women's competition, Wednesday is the men's, and Thursday is the voting). Below are the Katherine McPhee facts from Fox:

Age: 21
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Audition City: San Francisco
Favorite Female Artist: Whitney Houston
Favorite Male Artist: Brian McKnight

February 28th Update for Katharine McPhee

I have trouble knocking anyone for singing Stevie Wonder... especially Katharine McPhee who excudes personality and cuteness (and seems to have lost lots of weight). But, "All is Fair in Love" is a really bland song that - even though Katharine performed it nicely - leaves the audience thinking blah. Katharine McPhee will fly towards the finals as she has personality, fantastic energy and is clearly comfortable on stage.

March 14th Update for Katharine McPhee

Terrific night for Katharine McPhee who looked tremendous in a long, summer dress that fit her nicely. She belted out Until You Come Back to Me by Stevie Wonder and did it so easily... The great thing about Katharine McPhee is how poised she is and how easily she can perform the really difficult. Expect Katharine to be one of the deep finalists.

THE 24 AMERICAN IDOL FINALISTS (SEASON 5)

Ace Young
Ayla Brown
Brenna Gethers
Bucky Covington
Chris Daugherty
David Radford
Elliot Yamin
gedeon mckinny
Heather Cox
Jose “Sway” Penala
Katherine McPhee
Kelly Pickler
Kevin Covais
Lisa Tucker
Mandiza Hundley
Melissa McGhee
Paris Bennett
Patrick Hill
Rebecca O’donahue
Robert Bennet
Stephanie Scott
Taylor Hicks
Will Makar

Note: As the 2006 American Idol season continues, I will continue to update these individual singer and performer guides with information about each of the Idols. Enjoy the guides and feel free to let me know if there is information I've missed or should post!