American pop singer, songwriter, and actress
Daughter of singer and vocal coach Peisha Arten and Daniel McPhee.
Was roommates with fellow "American Idol: The Search for a Superstar" contestant Kellie Pickler.
She sang "Since I Fell for You," "All in Love is Fair," and "Think" to advance to the top 12 of "American Idol: The Search for a Superstar" .
Her older sister, whose name is Adriana McPhee , is a vocal coach like their mother, Peisha Arten.
Attended the Boston Conservatory of Music for three semesters.
Her fans are known as "The Kat Pack" and "McPhans".
She performs the song "Think," originally sung by Aretha Franklin , on the "American Idol" top 12 CD.
She came in second place on May 24, 2006, next to "American Idol: The Search for a Superstar" season 5 winner Taylor Hicks.
Her hit single, "My Destiny," was released on June 20, 2006.
She won a black Ford Mustang during the "American Idol: The Search for a Superstar" finale.
She has a goddaughter who was born during her run in Hollywood.
Attended Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks with Rachel Bilson and Kirsten Dunst.
During the opening dates of "The American Idol Tour 2006," she suffered bronchitis and laryngitis, and broke her foot before an August 1 concert date.
Has a Chihuahua named Nena.
Ranked #47 on the Maxim magazine Hot 100 of 2007 list.
Battled with bulimia eating disorder.
(September 28, 2007) Engaged to Nick Cokas.
(2 February 2008) Married Nick Cokas in Beverly Hills, McPhees representative, Justin Grey Stone , told People Magazine. Former "American Idol: The Search for a Superstar" contestants Kellie Pickler and Mandisa Hundley were among the 305 wedding guests.
Grew up in the same neighborhood as her The House Bunny co-star Anna Faris , but they never met until filming began.
Before being on "American Idol: The Search for a Superstar" , she was a struggling actress trying to get a break.
She set-up "McPhee Outreach" to finance a school in Africa.
One of her personal American idols is Stevie Wonder.
She has English, German, Irish, and Scottish ancestry.
Filed for divorce from her husband of six years, Nick Cokas , following a two-month-long separation.
Is a die-hard San Francisco 49ers fan.
All I know is that when the show ["Smash" (2012) ] started and,people were so excited about the pilot, I was excited to finally be a,part of something that could showcase me.
[Regarding school] If I had spent all that time actually studying and,really learning it versus the time I spent planning to cheat, I,probably would have done better.
I love the spirit of Halloween and the energy that comes with it.
My fondest memories are generally the day after Thanksgiving. I get the total decorating Christmas itch.
