Began training with her mother, a vocal coach at age two

Trained at the Boston Conservatory for three semesters, but left to pursue acting

Played the lead actress in a local production of "Annie Get Your Gun"

Made feature debut in the independent film about the life of Hank Garland, "Crazy" (released in 2007)

Appeared on the fifth season of "American Idol" (FOX); was the runner-up to winner Taylor Hicks

Signed to Simon Fuller's 19 Recordings Limited and Sony BMG's RCA Records

Released debut single, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/My Destiny"

Released her self-titled debut album, Katharine McPhee

Released from her contract with RCA Records

First studio film, the comedy "The House Bunny"; also released a cover of the song "I Know What Boys Like" for the film