Katharine McPhee is an American singer-songwriter and actress, born on March 25, 1984, in Los Angeles, California. She gained widespread recognition as the runner-up on the fifth season of "American Idol" in 2006. Following her success on the show, McPhee released her self-titled debut album on January 30, 2007, which debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart.

McPhee has also made a significant impact in the acting world, starring in the musical drama series "Smash" and the CBS series "Scorpion." Her versatility as a performer has allowed her to transition seamlessly between music and acting, earning her a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.