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Looking cute, feeling McPhierce! y ‘Idol’ runner-up Katharine McPhee shows off sexier side on debut CD
By BRANDON VOSS Friday, February 16, 2007
WITH THE EXCEPTION OF voting George W. Bush into office, choosing Taylor Hicks over Katharine McPhee might just be the biggest mistake that America has ever made. The prematurely gray dude may have won season four of “American Idol,” but the raven-haired runner-up should give even the staunchest Soul Patroler a bad case of McPheever with her poppy self-titled debut album.
The Washington Blade spoke to the 22-year-old about her highly publicized weight struggles, her bad breakups and her gay fans.
Washington Blade: Are you getting into the new season of ‘American Idol?’
Katharine McPhee: Actually, I prefer to watch closer to the top 24 when the competition really starts. Before that, honestly, I get kind of bored. I’d rather just see the good stuff. But I’m definitely looking forward to tuning in as much as I can, especially now knowing what those poor kids are going through.
Blade: Were you prepared for the media scrutiny that’s come with your new fame?
McPhee: I don’t think you’re ever prepared for that. Recently I’ve started to get people following me, but I just give ’em what they want and walk off. If they catch me with no makeup, whatever, that’s what I’m like in real life.
Blade: But you’re shaping up to be quite the fashionista.
McPhee: I’ve always loved fashion, but I was never really in the body that I felt comfortable in, so I always got stuck wearing big sweatshirts and jeans because I was really self-conscious. I still don’t have the best body image, but I feel better about myself, so I now really embrace fashion. I love Vivienne Westwood and everything from little T-shirts from James Pierce to Juicy to Dolce & Gabbana. Stores like Forever 21 are really fun, too.
Blade: What do you hope people take away from your debut?
McPhee: I just hope that people get to see a little bit more of my fun, young spirit than they did on ‘Idol.’ I put on a stern face to deal with getting negative feedback in front of millions of people. That was my business Katharine. But the people who really know me know how silly I am.
Blade: The lead single, ‘Over It,’ deals with a breakup. How do you get over a man?
McPhee: I should have a song on my next album about being a cold-hearted woman. Fortunately, I’ve been able to move on very quickly from my relationships. Except for one or two. And when I’m singing that song, I’ll definitely be thinking about them.
Blade: Do your gay fans make themselves known?
McPhee: I went to musical theater school, so my gay boys and I go way back. One of my best friends is totally gay and we have so much fun together. Every girl needs a good gay man by her side. I love that I have somewhat of a gay following, and hopefully I can get more because they’re such great supporters of the arts.
Blade: Which songs are your gay boys going to go crazy for?
McPhee: The boys are going to just love ‘Open Toes.’ I have this feeling it’s going to make them want to put on their little open-toe shoes and walk around West Hollywood. And ‘Dangerous,’ which is another breakup song about how you should never let your guard down — like, I’m warning you, this guy is going to do you wrong! I’m hoping we can remix them with some techno vibes so we can all get on the dance floor.
Blade: What should a Katharine McPhee drag queen always remember?
McPhee: It’s all about the hair and brows.
Katharine McPhee fans around the world