Katharine McPhee at a Glance
- Categories: Celebrities, Celebrities > Singers
- Net Worth: $14 Million
- Birthdate: Mar 25, 1984 (40 years old)
- Birthplace: Los Angeles
- Gender: Female
- Profession: Singer, Actor, Model, Songwriter
- Nationality: United States of America
- Height: 5 ft 7 in (1.727 m)
Katharine McPhee’s Net Worth: A Look at Her Career and Finances
Introduction: Katharine McPhee’s Multifaceted Career
Katharine McPhee, also known as Katharine McPhee-Foster, has carved a successful career in the entertainment industry. From her breakout role on “American Idol” to her appearances on television and Broadway, McPhee has consistently showcased her talents as a singer, songwriter, and actress. This article delves into the various aspects of her career, exploring her net worth, early life, musical achievements, acting roles, personal life, and the recognition she has received for her work.
Katharine McPhee’s Net Worth: The Financial Snapshot
Katharine McPhee’s net worth is estimated to be $14 million. This financial standing is a testament to her diverse and successful career, which spans music, television, and stage performances. Her earnings come from album sales, acting roles, touring, and other ventures.
Early Life and the Path to Stardom
Katharine Hope McPhee was born on March 25, 1984, in Los Angeles, California. Her upbringing was steeped in the arts, with her father, Daniel, working as a TV producer, and her mother, Peisha, a vocal coach who later worked on “American Idol.” McPhee’s early life was filled with musical training under her mother’s guidance. She participated in theatrical productions at Notre Dame High School and, after graduating in 2002, briefly attended the Boston Conservatory for musical theatre. However, she left college to pursue her career, returning to Los Angeles to audition for various roles. While an MTV series, “You Are Here,” was cast with her, it never aired. In 2005, she garnered positive reviews for her performance as Annie Oakley in “Annie Get Your Gun,” which led to an Ovation Award nomination.
From American Idol to Chart-Topping Albums
In 2005, Katharine McPhee auditioned for “American Idol” in San Francisco, and her rendition of “God Bless the Child” impressed the judges. She advanced through the competition, becoming a favorite of viewers. Although she finished as the runner-up to Taylor Hicks, her participation on the show catapulted her into the spotlight. In June 2006, she was signed to RCA Records and released her first single, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/My Destiny.” Her debut album, “Katharine McPhee,” released in January 2007, reached #2 on the Billboard 200 chart and sold 116,000 copies in its first week. She went on to release four more studio albums: “Unbroken” (2010), “Christmas Is the Time to Say I Love You” (2010), “Hysteria” (2015), and “I Fall in Love Too Easily” (2017). McPhee’s music career also included performances on the “American Idol” tour, though she missed the initial weeks due to illness. Furthermore, she contributed to the soundtracks of the musical TV series “Smash,” with both “The Music of Smash” (2012) and “Bombshell” (2013) reaching high positions on the Billboard US Soundtracks chart.
The Transition to Acting: Television and Broadway
McPhee successfully transitioned into acting, starting with guest appearances on shows like ABC’s “Ugly Betty” and the web series “lonelygirl15” in 2007. She then played a role in the 2008 film “The House Bunny,” alongside Anna Faris, Colin Hanks, and Emma Stone. In 2011, she took on a lead role in “You May Not Kiss the Bride” and appeared in the horror film “Shark Night 3D.” Her breakthrough acting role came in 2012 when she was cast as Karen Cartwright in the NBC musical drama “Smash,” produced by Steven Spielberg. She reprised her role in a one-night-only concert production of “Bombshell” on Broadway in 2015. From 2014 to 2018, she starred in all 93 episodes of the CBS drama “Scorpion.” She has also made guest appearances on other shows such as “CSI: NY” (2009), “Community” (2010), and “Family Guy” (2012), as well as in the Lifetime movie “The Lost Wife of Robert Durst” (2017).

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In April 2018, McPhee made her Broadway debut as Jenna Hunterson in “Waitress” at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre. She later reprised the role at London’s Adelphi Theatre in March 2019 and returned to Broadway from November 2019 until the show’s closure in January 2020. This marked another significant milestone in her versatile career, showcasing her talents on the stage.
Personal Life: Relationships and Philanthropy
Katharine McPhee married actor Nick Cokas on February 2, 2008, but filed for divorce in May 2014, which was finalized in February 2016. She was in a relationship with her “Scorpion” co-star Elyes Gabel from August 2014 to July 2016. In May 2017, she began dating record producer David Foster, who had produced her first single. They became engaged in June 2018 and married on June 28, 2019. McPhee and Foster embarked on a tour in January 2020, but it was cut short in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond her personal life, McPhee is involved in philanthropy. In 2006, she founded the McPhee Outreach charity, which collaborated with Global Compassion Services and the Lollipop Theater Network to support educational and musical initiatives for children.
Awards and Nominations: Acknowledging Talent
Throughout her career, Katharine McPhee has received several awards and nominations, reflecting her success across different entertainment platforms. In 2005, she was nominated for an Ovation Award for her role in “Annie Get Your Gun.” She won a Fox Reality Award for Favorite Hottie and a VH1 Big in ’06 Award for Big “It” Girl in 2006. McPhee was nominated for Teen Choice Awards in 2006, 2007, and 2012, and won a Young Hollywood Award in 2007. She has also won a Women’s Image Network Award and a Broadway.com Audience Award. The musical “Smash” earned her two TV Musical Performance of the Year nominations from GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics.
Real Estate Ventures
Katharine McPhee has also invested in real estate. In 2017, she purchased a home in Studio City, California, for $2.05 million and listed it for sale in March 2022 for nearly $2.7 million. Additionally, in 2015, she bought a Toluca Lake home for $1.4 million, selling it in 2017. In mid-2021, McPhee and David Foster acquired a mansion in Brentwood, Los Angeles, for $7 million, adding to their real estate portfolio.
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Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Katharine McPhee
Katharine McPhee has proven herself as a versatile talent in the entertainment industry. From her early days on “American Idol” to her roles on television and Broadway, she has consistently captivated audiences. Her net worth reflects her success, with a substantial income generated from her music, acting, and other ventures. Her personal life and philanthropic efforts add depth to her public image, making her a well-rounded personality. As she continues to explore new avenues in her career, Katharine McPhee’s legacy is sure to endure, marked by her achievements, versatility, and commitment to her craft.