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Katharine McPhee: From 'Idol' runner-up to a 'Smash' hit
Former 'American Idol' contestant and actress Katharine McPhee stars in NBC's 'Smash.'
April 24th, 2012
03:52 PM ET

Katharine McPhee: From 'Idol' runner-up to a 'Smash' hit

Singer and now actress Katharine McPhee is enjoying life as an "American Idol" alum. Since finishing season 5 as the runner-up, McPhee has sold more than 400,000 albums, and she's launched an acting career.

On NBC's freshman series "Smash," she plays wannabe Broadway star Karen Cartwright, who has the technical training to make it on stage but learns that the off-stage drama might stand in her way.

She recently sat down with "Showbiz Tonight's" Kareen Wynter to talk about life on set, her work with the non-profit group Malaria No More, and if she'd be good at judging an "Idol"-esque competition.

Katharine McPhee: I'd be too mean

McPhee tells CNN she keeps up with what's going on with the latest talent shows on TV. Listen to why she thinks she might not make the best judge.

McPhee: You can make a difference

McPhee and her husband work with the non-profit group Malaria No More, which works to make sure that every family in Africa has ready access to the tools they need to prevent, diagnose and treat malaria. Here she explains how one person can approach helping to solve such a huge problem.

'Smash' made me a morning person

Katharine McPhee tells Showbiz Tonight's Kareen Wynter that loving what she does and the people she works with makes it much easier to make it to the set of "Smash" early in the morning.

Watch Showbiz Tonight Weekdays Exclusively at 11PM ET on HLN.

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Filed under: Celebrities • Music • Smash • television • TV-Showbiz Tonight
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soundoff (13 Responses)
  1. Red Hat Certification Information

    I just couldn't leave your site prior to suggesting that I actually enjoyed the usual information a person supply to your guests? Is gonna be back continuously in order to investigate cross-check new posts

    July 10, 2012 at 12:17 pm | Report abuse |
  2. tinman

    she really is a triple threat! after seeing her Bollywood episode on Smash this week, i'm really impressed with her dancing! she is amazing

    April 26, 2012 at 9:30 am | Report abuse |
  3. tom

    Was a 'sorta' fan on AI....but man has she improved in every way. Watch this show and she is phenomenal. Gorgeous, beautiful voice and quite an actress. Go on girl.

    April 25, 2012 at 10:57 am | Report abuse |
  4. Claudio Machevan

    Drop dead gorgeous, talented singer, actress, and dancer! Triple threat! She is a huge star in the making!

    April 25, 2012 at 9:00 am | Report abuse |
  5. David

    She's simply FANTASTIC. Loved her on Idol, and just very proud of her for this success. The show is amazing, I watch it religiously

    April 24, 2012 at 10:59 pm | Report abuse |
  6. Peace

    She sure sings like a song bird. sorry sadie

    April 24, 2012 at 9:12 pm | Report abuse |
  7. Peace

    She has turned out awesome. We hope the best for her.

    April 24, 2012 at 7:52 pm | Report abuse |
  8. Gabriela

    Love her since "God Bless the Child"... <3

    April 24, 2012 at 7:24 pm | Report abuse |
  9. .•|•.

    I don't watch this show,but, did you see her sing "Over The Rainbow" on AI? She was amazing!

    April 24, 2012 at 7:20 pm | Report abuse |
  10. Taylor Hicks

    Hate Hate Hate Hate Hate Hate Hate Hate

    April 24, 2012 at 4:40 pm | Report abuse |
  11. MinnieMcPhee

    Love her she is beautiful and she does so well in smash

    April 24, 2012 at 4:35 pm | Report abuse |

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