Katharine McPhee: small screen queen?

Is there any show Katharine McPhee has not been on recently? She has to have one of the best promotional strategies when it comes to television, has she has been on at least something every week since her album Unbroken was released in January.

Most recently, Katharine performed her new single "Terrified" on NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno last night. Watch the performance below:

On Thursday, Kat's long awaited episode of Community starring Joel McHale aired on NBC in which she played Chevy Chase's money-grubbing stepdaughter Amber. Watch the episode below:



Earlier in the day, Katharine's performance of "Terrified" re-aired on an episode of The Bonnie Hunt Show that originally aired in late February. Watch the performance below:



Going back a week, Kat made a cameo on E!'s "The Soup Awards" special on the network's sketch show The Soup (also starring McHale). She presented the award for "Outstanding Meltdown and Way Better Than Being Nominated For It." Watch her segment below:



All these TV appearances were supplemented by a performance at the White House in support of International Women's Day this past Monday, which can be viewed below:



Judging by this busy promo schedule, don't be surprised if Kat turns up on the Idol stage performing "Terrified" one some Wednesday during this season. And of course, this all comes on the heels of news that Kat will be starring in her very own pilot for an NBC sitcom called The Pink House.

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Out today: Katharine McPhee's 'Unbroken'

Katharine McPhee's long awaited sophomore album Unbroken is finally available in online and in stores nationwide. The album, courtesy of Verve Forecast, was produced by John Alagia and features the single "Had It All"in addition to other songs like "Lifetime," "How" and "Say Goodbye."

Links to purchase the aforementioned can be found below:

Albums,
Katharine McPhee, Unbroken

Amazon.com - ($7.99) - Buy
Amazon MP3 - (3.99) - Buy
Barnes & Noble - ($12.19) - Buy
Bet Buy - ($7.99) - Buy
Buy.com - ($12.88) - Buy
CDUniverse.com - ($11.16) - Buy
iTunes - ($9.99 standard, $11.99 deluxe) - Buy: standard, deluxe
Sears - ($10.79) - Buy
Target - (9.99 deluxe edition) - Buy
Walmart - ($11.88) - Buy

The deluxe edition of Unbroken available at Target includes the "Had It All" music video, behind the scenes footage, an exclusive interview and a photo gallery. The iTunes version includes the bonus tracks "Takes a Lot of Love" and "Help Me" in addition to the music video for "Had It All."

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IDOL LIVE predix: Katharine McPhee's 'Unbroken'

The first album release from an Idol alum in the new decade comes in the form of Katharine McPhee's delayed sophomore effort Unbroken, which hits stores and digital retailers everywhere tomorrow. This is Kat's first release with Verve Forecast, following her debut via RCA in January 2007.

Besides the big changes in music stylistically, the album is also accompanied by different expectations sales-wise compared to Katharine McPhee. The latter opened at #2 with 116k copies, largely thanks to Kat just coming off a runner-up finish on the fifth season of Idol and a growing single in "Over It." This time around, however, there is no Idol excitement and Unbroken's lead single "Had It All" is only gradually moving up Mediabase's airplay chart and Billboard's AC chart.

Still, Kat's album will benefit from a lack of competition, as Ke$ha's debut LP will be the only direct threat. Plus, she's going to be out and about on the talk show circuit over the next few weeks, kicking off with a visit to Conan O'Brien's Tonight Show on NBC tonight.

Still, album sales in the dead of January have not traditionally been big sellers, and so it will not be a surprise if Unbroken does not open with eye-popping tallies. Still, there's a good chance of a consistent seller in Unbroken, especially if "Had It All" continues to rise on the charts, and so a debut week bow of 20k is most likely in store, with chart placement around #20.

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Album review: Katharine McPhee's 'Unbroken'

Although it isn't slated to come out until Jan. 5, 2010, I was able to preview Katharine McPhee's sophomore album Unbroken courtesy of her label, Verve Forecast. Here is an early review of the disc:

After a period of uncertainty as to the direction she would take her career in, Katharine McPhee wisely opts for an adult-contemporary direction on her sophomore release ‘Unbroken’ (Jan. 5). McPhee, who has made great strides in maturing as an artist over the past few years, gets a great deal of help from an excellent team of songwriters that play a major role in the quality of the material found on this album.

Under the guidance of producer John Alagia (Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer), ‘Unbroken’ begins on a high note with light mid-tempo “It’s Not Right,” which includes all the right ingredients for a Hot AC hit. A catchy chorus is only partly responsible for the positive vibes, though, as McPhee does a solid job making somewhat dim lyrics sound upbeat.

The album’s first single, “Had It All,” is the perfect follow-up in the No. 2 slot because it combines minimal production with simple lyrics courtesy of veteran songwriters Kara DioGuardi, Mitch Allan and David Hodges.

“Terrified” is a great example of how well McPhee’s vocals blend on a duet, as she gets a little help from Jason Reeves on the Colbie Caillat-esque track. Both voices complement each other, and even though Reeves is more of a background presence, he still gives the song a feeling of completion. On “Surrender,” McPhee shows that she can lend her vocals to a blues-leaning ballad without coming off as insincere.

The album’s weakest song is “Faultline,” which is not terrible in its own right, but it gets lost in the shuffle in its latter half. Although McPhee is able to demonstrate her keen sense of inflections, the song never really goes anywhere and could have been helped greatly if it had added more intense instrumentation, possibly a soft-rock feel.

One of the most solid songs on ‘Unbroken’ comes in the form of “How,” a moving power ballad that allows McPhee to reach for the heavens with her beautiful use of melisma. The rousing chorus combines with a pop-leaning arrangement, making the song a perfect candidate for a future single.

The album’s strongest track is without a doubt “Say Goodbye.” This is where McPhee shines not just as a vocalist, but as a storyteller as well, and they manner in which she demonstrates vocal restraint is commendable. Also on the ballad front, title track “Unbroken” requires use of McPhee’s upper register, which she faithfully follows through on. The solemn, vulnerable arrangement magnifies the tenderness explored in the lyrics, partially the product of Paula Cole, and leaves the listener feeling the emotion conveyed in the song.

One of the strongest aspects of ‘Unbroken’ is the leverage McPhee was given in terms of songwriting, as she is credited on six of the album’s 13 tracks. On “Last Letter,” she teams up with Luke Laird (Carrie Underwood, ) and Barry Bean to produce a radio-friendly mid-tempo that features catchy lyrics (“It’s the very last letter / to an old lover / to say I’m glad”). “Keep Drivin” finds McPhee’s vocals paired with top-notch production, resulting in a convincing performance as told through the song’s gloomy lyrics.

Other songwriting efforts by McPhee include the breezy “Lifetime” and the sleepy “Anybody’s Heart.” The former is a sing-songy piece that will most likely be heard at wedding receptions for years to come, while the latter is gently sung but is rather forgettable in comparison with the rest of the tracks. Still, the lyrics found here are above average, which bodes well for McPhee’s future as a songwriter.

To close out the album McPhee offers “Brand New Key,” a flimsy, R&B-tinged song that is a great upbeat note to end on. The silly lyrics (“I’ve got a brand new pair of roller skates and you’ve got a brand new key / I think that we should get together and try them on you see”), courtesy of Melanie Safka, are completely in sync with the rest of the song, and McPhee’s falsetto adds special flair to the recording.

Now that Katharine McPhee finally gets the chance to show audiences her true artistic ability, she takes the opportunity and runs with it. Unbroken is a rare diamond in the rough collection of adult contemporary/pop material, and the fact that McPhee has one of the most technically-impressive voices in the music industry at the moment will only further cement her footprint in the genre.

Unbroken can now be pre-ordered on Amazon.com for $13.98. Three singles, including "Had It All," can now be downloaded at iTunes.

Correction: In my review I failed to mention "Brand New Key" is a cover of Melanie Safka's #1 song from 1971.

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Katharine McPhee's "Had It All" music video

Katharine McPhee's new music video for her latest single "Had It All" premiered a bit early on Y! Music as it was added to Yahoo!'s music site tonight rather than tomorrow, it's intended release date. Watch the video below:

The video shows off Katharine's beautiful body and (still taking time to get used to) blonde hairstyle. Although the video is nothing groundbreaking, it makes good use of contrasts like Kat in a black dress against a white background and the use of black and white and color shots. This is the latest product of Kat and her label, Verve Forecast, since the announcement that her sophomore effort Unbroken would be released on Jan. 5, 2010, delayed from its original drop date of Oct. 6.

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Out today: Katharine McPhee's "Say Goodbye"

Katharine McPhee lets fans hear one last taste of her new material following the disheartening news that her forthcoming sophomore album, Unbroken, has been delayed until a Tues., Jan. 5 release. To help lessen the blow, her record label, Verve Forecast, releases the ballad "Say Goodbye" as a digital single at iTunes.

Links to purchase the aforementioned can be found below:

Singles
Katharine McPhee, "Say Goodbye"

iTunes - ($0.99) - Buy

Despite the fact that it will not hit store shelves until next year, Kat's album Unbroken can still be pre-ordered at Amazon.com as both a CD and CD/DVD combo.

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Track review: Katharine McPhee's "Had It All"

In anticipation of her forthcoming album ‘Unbroken’ (Oct. 6) courtesy of Verve Forecast, Katharine McPhee opts for a new look, and more importantly, a new sound as demonstrated by the album’s lead single “Had It All.”

Leaving behind the R&B-fused pop and open-toed shoes found on her debut LP, McPhee settles for a more earthy sound while marinating her vocal prowess. Although it is inaccurate to classify the song as being “indie,” it definitely gives off indie vibes as her vocals glide seamlessly over the barely polished production of the track.

“Had It All” was co-penned by an all-star trio of Mitch Allan, Kara DioGuardi and David Hodges, and the lyrics work for the most part despite having a bland chorus (“I had it all I threw it all aside / thinking there was more there I needed to find / I had it all baby till you went away”).

At the song’s bridge, McPhee harkens back to her days on ‘Idol’ with a building, billowing high note that carries through the song’s remainder, and finally settles on a crisp, calm finale.

Katharine McPhee surely is back in the game, only this time her true persona will shine through thanks to songs like “Had It All” that will allow her to demonstrate the most suitable styles of music for the budding artist.

"Had It All" is now available to purchase on iTunes.

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Katharine McPhee goes blonde

After mentioning a change in hair color a few weeks ago, Katharine McPhee officially unveiled the change today in a spread on People.com. Per the story that accompanies the photo the right, Katharine said:

"I’ve never dyed my hair before so this was a pretty drastic change. I’ve always been known as a brunette but I’ve been thinking about it for a long time and it kind of just fit with all of the searching with the music and experimenting that I would do the same thing with my look.”

Katharine also changed her head shot and layout on her official music MySpace page, notifying fans via a blog entry on the page.

The story also appears in the current issue of People magazine, which is on newsstands nationwide. Katharine is currently drumming support for her forthcoming album Unbroken on Verve Forecast, which is due out Tues., Oct. 6.

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'Idol' odds 'n ends: Paula Abdul "optimistic" about returning

The following are Idol-related odds and ends that happened this week:

>Paula Abdul spent her day filming a guest appearance on Lifetime's upcoming dramedy Drop Dead Diva, which premieres Sun., July 12. She will play a judge that hears a case about a store refusing to carry clothing for plus-sized women and her episode will air sometime in September.

While on the set, Paula said she is "optimistic" about returning to Idol as a judge, although a new contract has yet to be drafted. In her own words:

“I’ve been invited to stay the duration of the show, however long it lasts.”

Her most recent contract expired at the end of the show's eighth season. Aside from the contract drama, Paula has been keeping herself in the public eye, aided by her pivotal role in the Sacha Baron Cohen film Bruno, out today.

>One week ahead of its release, Daughtry's sophomore album Leave This Town was added to VH1.com's "The Leak" section, which allows fans to stream albums in their entirety prior to being released. The stream came at the best possible time, as it coincided with the album's pre-release illegal leak.

>The other big Idol album due out this July, Jordin Sparks' Battlefield, has a release date only a week-and-a-half away, and Jordin is currently touring with The Jonas Brothers. At Wednesday's show in Minneapolis, Minn., Jordin sang "Smile" by Natalie Cole in remembrance of Michael Jackson, as it was his favorite song. Watch fan video of the performance below:


Although Jordin's album has not leaked in full, as many as four tracks have found their way onto the web, including "Walking On Snow," "Emergency (911)," bonus track "It Takes More" and her next single "S.O.S. (Let the Music Play)." Naturally, she is not happy with the leaks, as she tweeted the following:

is SO angry right now. We give you promo copies for you to listen to. NOT to post all over the Internet. Jerks. >:O 9:05 PM Jul 6th from TwitterFon

and followed it up with:

Sorry! Its just so frustrating! If it was up 2 me I wouldnt give copies. Its not my call. I get a few days b4 the album but 2 weeks!? Cmon! 9:19 PM Jul 6th from TwitterFon

Apparently Jordin is just as human as the rest of us.

>Adam Lambert and Kris Allen will host American Top 40 (AT40) this Sunday, taking over for Ryan Seacrest, the radio show's actual host. Per a tweet from Ryan alerting fans of this week's guest hosts, Adam said he regrets saying Kris is cute. Slow news day I guess?

>Katharine McPhee announced Wednesday another promotion via her official Twitter account to help raise awareness of her forthcoming release on Verve Forecast Records. The contest allows fans to enter to win a 16GB iPod Touch and a T-shirt autographed by Kat herself (a total prize package is valued at $300) by signing up at TheCelebrityCafe.com. Fans may enter once per day until Fri., July 31.

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Katharine McPhee attends premiere of 'Home'

Katharine McPhee hit the Echo Park Community Garden in Los Angeles, Calif., last night to attend the premiere of Home, an online film by Yann Arthus-Bertrand that is centered around climate change and can be viewed on YouTube. She walked the "brick carpet" with husband Nick Cokas in tow.

In other Kat-related news, her record label's Web site has begun actively promoting her forthcoming sophomore album. Verve Music Group, the parent company of Kat's label, Verve Forecast, has placed an ad for her upcoming album on its site and has even created an artist section for her where visitors can become fans of Kat.

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'Idol' odds 'n ends: Paula takes back her rehab admittance

The following are Idol-related odds and ends that happened this week:

>Only days after the story broke in Ladies Home Journal that Paula Abdul admitted to entering rehab last November for addiction to painkillers as reported here, she comes out and refutes it. Per EW.com:

On Detroit's WKQI radio station, Abdul insisted she checked into the spa for a vacation, not a rehab stint. "I just wanted to chill out and get massages," Abdul said on the air this morning.

So which is it, Paula? You admit in your own words that you want to rehab and now you want to take back what you said? Really disappointing.

>The episode of Disney Channel's Hannah Montana that featured David Archuleta starring in a guest role aired Sunday, which included a duet between him and the show's star, Miley Cyrus. Watch the duet below:



David has been in Great Britain this week for the overseas leg of his solo tour with McFly, and is currently in Manchester.

>Jordin Sparks made a few waves at the Los Angeles Lakers playoff game Wednesday night when she was caught receiving a kiss from newly revealed boyfriend Steph Jones. The two have been keeping the relationship under wraps according to LoveBScott.com

In other Jordin news, two new producers for her upcoming sophomore album have been confirmed: Dr. Luke and Stargate, who join the previously announced Toby Gad as contributors to the album.

>Diana DeGarmo and Tom Lowe sat down with for his "Arts in Review" program on KPFK 90.7 FM in to discuss their current starring roles in the Los Angeles production of Back to Bacharach and David at The Music Box @ Fonda. Earlier in the week the pair split performances of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "God Bless America" at the LA Dodgers game on Monday.

>Katharine McPhee and her record label, Verve Forecast, have teamed up with Shakefire.com and are holding a contest that will award one lucky entrant with a iPod Touch and a signed T-shirt. The contest's site states the following:

2009 is going to be a big year for Katharine McPhee! In the fall, she will be returning with a new album, new video, new tour and more! Get yourself ready with a brand new iPod Touch and a signed t-shirt!

Sounds like a host of big things are planned for Kat this year.

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'Idol' odds 'n ends: Jordin to tour with Jonas Brothers

The following are Idol-related odds and ends that happened this week:

>It was announced on Wednesday that Jordin Sparks would be appearing with the Jonas Brothers on a select few stops of their 2009 world tour. Although the dates on which she will perform with them have yet to be released, it would be a good bet that she will be at the Jobing.com Arena on Aug. 11 in Phoenix, Arix.

>Carrie Underwood got a day-late birthday present when boyfriend Mike Fisher scored a goal for the Ottowa Senators on Wed., March 11. Carrie was shown celebrating the goal and Fisher said he scored the goal for Carrie as a b-day present in a post-game interview. Bet Tony Romo could never do that!

>Amidst a hectic promo week, Kelly Clarkson's Walmart Soundcheck performances were added to the retail giant's Web site earlier this week. In addition to being interviewed, Kelly performed a medley of hits including "Walk Away," "Since U Been Gone," "My Life Would Suck Without You," "I Do Not Hook Up" and "Because Of You."

>Katharine McPhee last night unveiled her first vlog since signing with Verve Forecast on her official Web site. Watch it below:

Kat's fake piano-playing is genuis, as it displays her fun personality that is often overlooked. She also revealed a personal e-mail address, kat@katharinemcphee.com, that she will use to correspond with fans.

>The most recent issue of Playboy featured an interview with Micheal Johns in the "Rock the Rabbit" segment. In the interview, he discussed his musical influences, which range from Paul McCartney to Otis Redding, and his T-shirt design concept that involves making a maze out of many bunnies repeating.

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Phil Stacey signs with Reunion

After parting ways with previous record label Lyric Street last November, Phil Stacey has announced via his official music MySpace blog that he has signed with Christian label Reunion Records, a sub-label of the Sony BMG umbrella. Per his blog entry, Phil said:

I am working on the record with producer Brown Bannister. He is amazing at what he does and we have some phenomenal material to work with.

Phil also stated he is hoping for a summer release but there is nothing set in stone.

Phil's debut album sold roughly 36k copies before he left his former label. This is the second Idol re-signing in three days, coming on the heels of news that Katharine McPhee has signed with Verve Forecast.

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Katharine McPhee: "I Need Your Help!"

Katharine McPhee took to her official music MySpace today to ask fans for input on her forthcoming Web site. In signature Kat form, she explained that technology and computers are not her forte:

In the coming weeks and months, you’re going to be seeing a lot of new stuff and a new website. Now you know that I am not the best with computers and technology. I try to do my best but I need a lot of help and support. Well that got me thinking. I would love to get your help! I want to know what you want to see in a new website. What ideas do you have? What do you like to see in your favorite websites?

This blog comes on the heels of the confirmation by Billboard that Kat has indeed signed with Verve Forecast, a sub-label of Universal Music Group, as rumors started swirling yesterday.

Billboard says that an album should be out by the end of the year. Katharine is now the first Idol alum to be signed to a major label following the departure of another major label.

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