A compilation of Katharine McPhee's most memorable performances and why America caught the McPheever.
Although she didn't technically win American Idol, I'd argue runner-up Katharine McPhee is still quite the winner. Considering her reported offer from KFC, calls from Steven Spielberg, an album in the works with RCA overseen by Clive Davis, and an image that couldn't be more marketable if it wanted to, Ms. McPhee seems to be in a pretty sweet spot despite her "loser" status.…
Article comments
26 - Kate
What really counts when the dust settles is sales figures. AI is there to make money.
So far there are two ways to gauge the potential sales success of this year's contestants. Pre-sales for Taylor and Katharine's singles, and itunes rankings for songs off of the Encores album.
When I went to Amazon last night, Taylor's single was sitting at #4, while Kat's hadn't broken the top 100.
On Itunes, Chris has the highest ranking song off of Encores and was the only one to break the top 15. Taylor is next, about 10 spots behind Chris, then Elliott down in the 60s and Kat in the high 70s. No other idol's song is in the top 100.
I think the numbers speak for themselves. In the end the contestants that can turn fanbases into dollars are the ones that will succeed.
27 - Chris Evans
That's faulty logic, Kate. Last year, Bo fans were re-joicing because the pre-sales of his post-idol single were leaving Carrie's in the dust. Then once their respective albums came out--Bo's sold about 600 thousand, while Carrie's is nearing 4X platinum status.
28 - alison
I agree her voice & Beauty make her very much a winner! She is excellent and I am a proud fan!
29 - Bill
Katharine is going to be around the music business a long time. Her style is awesome, she picks great songs and she sings them so good. I enjoyed watching her, and I can't wait to enjoy her Beautiful voice when her album comes out. This girl is a winner all the way!
30 - John
It's not about who sells the most, it's about the Talent that will keep them in the Music Business a long time. Building a fan base that loves your music style and that supports you as you grow as an artist. Katharine has all this going for her. Katharine has a great career ahead of her, she is fantastic!
31 - norma mckay
I love Katharine's great voice, she's very natural, pretty and simple. I think she is a better singer than Taylor (if you listen to his final song with Kat, he is out of tuned, it's good that Kat's turn to sing, she did it on the right tuned.) The American had already cast their vote, so it was Taylor who won. Anyway, I think the real winner is Katherine who got lots of offers. I predict she can be a good actress as well as a talented singer.
32 - MAS
I THINK LITTLE MISS KATHARINE MCPHEE IS ALREADY GETTING A LITTLE TOO BIG FOR HER BRITCHES. SHE WAS BEING INTERVIEWED THIS MORNING ON A LOCAL RADIO STATION - WHICH IS ALSO SYNDICATED AROUND THE US. AND SHE WAS TRASHING ALL OF THE OTHER CONTESTANTS - INCLUDING TAYLOR AND KELLIE PICKLER.
33 - SAE
Just wondering when you said - Here's to hoping Kat goes Clay Aiken on us and not Bo Bice - what were you referring to ??? -
Bo's single out-selling Carrie Underwoord's?
His getting ill, having to leave the AI tour and almost dying?
Having to do an album in 45 days while not yet recovered from a life-threaten illness?
Having to do an album different from what he does best?
Getting three of his own songs on the dual disc?
Or was it his having to go back in the hospital while promoting the album?
Or maybe you meant his making #1 on the VH1 charts?
Or appearing on TRL live?
Or his album going Gold?
Or was it that he is touring with his own band all over the country to sold-out crowds?
Perhaps you should have been a little more specific about your wishes for Kat.
34 - Chris Evans
First of all..Bo's single did NOT outsell Carrie Underwood's sweetheart. It appeared it would based on the pre-sales, but when they ACTUALLY came out, Carrie's ended up selling more.
Second...when I made the comparison, I was referring to record sales. Yes, Bo's album went gold, but that's hardly an accomplishment for someone who is the runner-up on the biggest show on television. Especially compared to Clay's 3X Platinum status.
And spouting off random facts about him being #1 on VH1 or this or that are completely irrelevant. I was in no way saying Bo was NOT successfal at all. But in comparison to Clay's success, the hope is that Katharine will be as successul as Clay as opposed to the modest success of Bo.
35 - Kathleen Watterson
Katherine is just a sweet heart and what a beautiful voice!!! America is in love with her! With all the sad things in this world she has just been the best breath of fresh air we all need!
36 - Chris Evans
Just a follow up...
Underwood's recording of the song, released on June 14, 2005 in the U.S., debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and reached number four in Canada. It was certified platinum by the RIAA and two times platinum by the CRIA, and it was later included on her debut album Some Hearts. The B-side is a cover of the Martina McBride song "Independence Day".
Bice's version of "Inside Your Heaven" was slightly less successful; it was released on June 21, 2005 and peaked at number two on the Hot 100. It was certified gold by the RIAA, and like Underwood's version it topped Billboard's Pop 100 chart. The B-side is a cover of the song "Vehicle" by Ides of March.
Would you like me to get to the actual albums? 'Cause it gets worse.
37 - blue velvet
what a crying shame.. somehow there is only room in the music business for one person... how very depressing.. that means no more variety, fresh songs, new voices.. bumma!! if we listen to taylor hicks are we somehow selling katarine short?? what if they each have a different song out and we like them both.. what a conundrum...what to do?? shall we throw away our elvis albums? what about fats domino?? mariah carey? whitney houston? what about benny goodman? gun's n roses? queen? ella fitzgerald, ricky nelson.. well, the trash man won't be finding those in my trash any time soon cause my style of listening ** is music **.. if an artist should not peak my interest then there is always the remote.. will my ears be listening to another tune by that artist. dang str8.. my heart harbors no hate for any of the contestants.. they were brave and put themselves out there.. how they fare from that point lies within their desire to make msic..
38 - pitszal
#20
Eric
May 30, 2006
01:35 PMWhile I respect your opinions Rene and NR, I wholeheartedly disagree that Katharine does not have heart and soul and/or feel emotion when she's singing. I've always felt emotion in her songs especially her Come Rain or Come Shine and Until You Come Back To Me. My favorite was Over The Rainbow. My partner and I watched it with our daughter, and by the middle tears were streaming down all our faces. The sound of her voice, the conviction, the look in her eyes, everything about it was absolutely and undeniably beautiful
ITA with you..I had tears in my eyes too..IMO she is the winner!! she will have a lasting career in front of her, whether it be Brodaway..film..commercials etc..Taylor will fade after awhile..
39 - HRH
Why wasn't on majority of these songs are there pitch problems. I was so dissapointed in her performance of Come Rain or Come Shine, its one of my favorite songs and she butchered it's simple, lovely, romantic messages with all her vixen riffs and virbrato. I missed that weeks performance and when i found out she sang Come Rain or Come Shine i was seriously hoping it was going to be good. I've come to the determination that Katherine just doesn't have that strong of a voice. Not to hold the notes she needs to hold. I think that's why she always retreats to her head voice instead of punching them out in her chest register.
Her best performances were still a dissapointment to me.
HRH
40 - monica
Bo is a success story, Top 20 on 3 radio formats!... I think Katharine will do a Justin Guarini... just look at her amazon ranks!
41 - Chris Evans
Monica...did you not read the comment I just made about Bo and Carrie's pre-sales and album sales?
42 - Teresa
First I'd like to say thank you for posting those videos of Kat's performances. The only reason I tivoed AI this past season is because of Kat. The only reason I watched AI this year is because of Kat. Ever since that first performance in the semis of "Since I Fell For You", I thought Kat was fantastic in terms of talent and personality.
I will be the first to admit that she overdoes the melisma. She has a beautiful, rich voice, that doesn't NEED the melisma. If she can just clean up her performance style to the bare essentials she'd be set. Most singers overdo runs and vibrato because they don't have that great a voice. Kat does. In all the performances we've seen her do with her "intimate vocals" (one of the few times Paula made sense) she knocked it out. The reason I like Kat is because she's NOT Whitney, she's NOT Mariah, she's Katharine McPhee, which is a mighty fine thing to be. She already has her own vibe going, which is a bit of a Streisand throwback mixed with some Ella. I'd love to see her on Broadway. I'd take good Broadway over bad mainstream crap anyday.
As far as Taylor's sales go, I don't think Taylor has lasting power. I think the main reason he won AI was because he was a bit of a novelty. Guy had grey hair, danced like he had epilepsy, had an okay voice, but exuded energy. I greatly disagree that he "has soul". Sam Cooke had soul. He had sheer unbridled emotion and passion and cannot be duplicated. You can sing a good cover of Sam Cooke, but you can't fake soul. Taylor does not have soul on par with the greats or even the really good. He doesn't conjure that same kind of feeling you get when you when you listen to a decent soul song, where you feel like all your emotions are churning in their rawest form. Taylor will be an interesting performer, but I doubt any original stuff will really resonate. Or at least not for me. I like Taylor, don't get me wrong, I think he's a good guy and I think he will probably be very grateful for his career. But I don't want to listen to him sing. It's not special. I don't think he offers anything original. Granted, his version of soul may be new for current times, but I'd rather listen to old Otis Redding and Sam Cooke CDs to get the real thing.
I think Kat has the potential to really start a lasting career. For me, she's the one that can offer something truly original and special. I think she didn't need American Idol as much as Taylor did. If Taylor didn't win American Idol, he'd pretty much be sunk. Chris is marketable without AI, Katharine is as well. Elliot (whom I really do like and actually believe has soul) can be marketed alone as well. But Taylor really needed the AI cachet. And he makes for an interesting idol, the classic underdog story. But Kat can do fine on her own.
Sorry for the rather wordy post. And for the rabid Taylor fans, don't get overly pissed at a differing opinion. And for those who insist that Taylor hasn't had a performance, I offer only two words:
John. Denver.
I still shudder even now thinking of it.
43 - KRF
I completely agree with Teresa. Kat was by far the best by far in season 5. We already had a "pop" woman win, along with a "country girl", "r&b" woman and man. American Idol wanted to keep the winners diverse, and were pulling for Taylor. They sabotaged Kat with that "ok" song, "My Destiny". If you go back and watch all the performances, most of Taylor's were said to be: "karoke, bad imitation, are you on drugs, etc.". Kat was compared to Kelly Clarkson, Christina Augilera, was said to have the best performance in AI history, and told she made the rest look like amatuers. The last few weeks the judges were critical over nothing. They said she was trying to be like the "greats". When Kat told Randy "I DID'T PICK THIS SONG." It was the point where we all knew AI wanted Taylor to win.
She will sell more copies.
Make more money.
AND HAVE LASTING FAME!
If you like karoke, bad imitations, and shameful dances, that ruin American Idol, than go buy Taylor' oson to be album.
Thanks!
44 - Kristy
I LOVE KATHERINE MCPHHE!!!!!!!!!!!! Why did she lose American idol. all i know is that Taylor Hicks sucks and shouldnt have won even though hes nice and kind. Hes an old fashioned singer. Katherine should have won. I was crying of sadness when i heard that Taylor Hicks won!!!!! But Katherine keep up the good work. Your a winner in my heart!!!!!!!!!
45 - JK
I think Katharine McPhee as well as Taylor Hicks will be the best sellings of their albums! But obviously Kats is way better. They will be in competetion forever.
46 - Cassie
I love Kat so much and I voted so many hundreds of times for her. For the longest time after the American Idol finale I kept saying that she will end up being a much bigger star than Taylor Hicks ever will be and she will outdo everyone from American Idol-except of course Kelly Clarkson. But the more that I see her on TV and in magazines, especially the new Teen People where she is on the cover, I really don't know that she has as much of a chance as I thought. She does come across as very snooty and like the world owes her everything and she always knew she would end up where she is today. I love Katharine McPhee and I think as long as she can get over herself she will be insanely successful.
47 - Alice
I read somewhere in here how Hicks is always off-key or flat and I just couldn't resist...
Yes, it's true. Even the other contestants are prone to the occasional flat and sharp mishaps, but every singer really is, even Elliott Yamin, who is considered the best male vocalist of the season. I don't consider this as credible basis for McPhee's alleged vocal prowess over Hicks' because, as a matter of fact, throughout the season, McPhee has had the most off-key, off-pitch, off-tempo singing among the 12 finalists, primarily because of her tendency to over-sing. Apparently there's a myth among young amateur singers that the more ad libs or licks you make in a song, the better it will sound, or rather, the more skilled the singer will sound. This is, of course, not true, and it shows McPhee’s lack of understanding of some of the songs she sang during the show. Too much “Hey! Listen to me! I’m so good!” and not enough “Listen to the song!” I first realized this when I heard “Think” in the AI 5 compilation album. Too much shouting and no dynamics at all. It’s also apparent in her facial projection. Every move is calculated to seduce, even though she’s singing “I’m feeling the blues.” She needs a lesson or two in proper song interpretation.
It’s terribly disappointing how she can do a lot of things with her voice but instead opts to imitate the original singer of the songs she sings (even “Over the Rainbow”). This is one of the reasons why, in my opinion, Hicks has more staying power than McPhee. He has character, he’s unique. His vocals may not be so “wow!” but when he sings, when he performs, his style, his signature is there. When you look at him, it doesn’t remind you of anyone at all, except maybe Jay Leno. But even if he sings covers, it doesn’t remind you of the original singer at all. McPhee is just another pretty face. She may be pretty but people don’t buy albums because the singer is beautiful/handsome, sexy or attractive. They buy your albums for the quality of your songs and the quality of rendition. McPhee may belt her way through, may have a high vocal range, but what’s new in show business? In a few years’ time, she’ll have been forgotten. The young artist who could sing high notes (and yell) but lacked the depth. While Hicks, because of his non-Idol demeanor (i.e. old guy who has a last chance to fame, grey hair, chubby, etc.), wacky and sometimes absurd “groove” and soulful rendition of songs has a more likely tendency to stick to memory, even if it’s “oh, it’s that grey-haired guy who beat all odds and won that pop contest.” Although, if McPhee had won the contest, the publicity would have helped her album sales and staying power. Because she lost, well, too bad.
I must admit that, at first, Chris was the one who had caught my attention because I’m into alternative and rock, not including occasional glances towards Mandisa’s, Paris’, and Elliott’s amazing voices. Katharine just struck me as pretty, but I never considered her as a good singer. Good voice quality, yes, but always off-tune. Then there was Hicks who, in the beginning, I found annoying, although I thought he sang pretty good. I was even thinking, “Isn’t this guy ashamed of himself? Doing all sorts of stupid things that make him look absolutely absurd on stage?” And then I realized he really is just enjoying himself and being himself. No ego at all, no inhibition, just all fun. And because he’s having fun, I couldn’t help but have fun as well when I see him. The other finalists just sing. This one sings his soul.
In the end, McPhee really is just a pretty amateur singer who doesn’t have substance. Sounds like a lot of other young pop singers today.
48 - Kaileen McMickle
Katharine McPhee is the best singtress I have ever heard and I have loved her from the moment I heard her in the auditions....she WILL make it to the top and all of her loyal fans will make sure of that. She has already been called by KFC,Steven Speilberg and she has a record deal with 19 recordings and Clive Davis. I don't think that someone who sucks could possibly have that much luck!!!!!!!!!!!!! WAIT AND WATCH PEOPLE!!!! KAT WILL MAKE IT!!!! SHE ALREADY HAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE ALL LOVE YOU KATHARINE MCPHEE!!!
49 - Alice
That news about Spielberg is a rumor. And of course she'll get contracts. She's the runner-up and her parents have the connections.
By the way, where are her "loyal fans" when her CD came out? 47,000 physical sales, that's pathetically low, if I may be blatant. I know these are souvenir CDs, but if you're a fan, shouldn't you have bought it anyway? Does Hicks have that much more fans than McPhee does? Oh, and don't tell me Taylor's sales are mainly due to his mindless fans buying multiple copies. Everybody does that, and unless you have evidence that it's the main cause of the 180,000 physical sales, it doesn't fly.
50 - Alice
And really now, best songstress? What about Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Barbra Streisand and all the other much better professional singers who have originality and can really bring it? Have you been living under a stone?
51 - Chris Evans
Alice...get a life, please.
52 - Mode
I disagree. She is shrills and tries to oversing. Her voice isn't natural at all. She also has no stage pressence and sorry to say, but she cannot connect with her music at all. I really doubt she will sell many CDs at all. She is a 4 in the entertainment business at best. She could learn from Christina Aguilera and Kelly Clarkson, who are way above her.