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CRB at IDF found an even earlier picture of Katharine in the first rounds waiting in line. This is from the AI website, pics only, this wouldn't have been on TV.
Sounds like a contest to me. Who can find the earliest picture/video of Katharine from AI?
Not trying to hijack your thread, so please don't take this the wrong way.
"Katharine's very first TV appearance?"
Well, there definitely was something before American Idol. Katharine appeared on a TV show titled, "Next Big Star" (PAX Television) and Ed McMahon was the executive producer. I think the show only aired for one year and then was pulled.
Anyway, Katharine sang "Come Rain or Come Shine" on Next Big Star when she was a little bit younger.
No biggie, I'm sure the OP just forgot about this clip:
Kat had a lot more gravitas and maturity when she sang CRoCS on American Idol. (Although she actually looked older on the McMahon show, strangely.)
Katharine McPhee fans around the world