Well, after much hype and ballyhoo, the NBC Premiere of the long-awaited Smash series debuts at 10:00 P.M. Eastern on Monday February 6th.

Katharine McPhee stars in the role as Karen, one of two singers auditioning to play the role of Marilyn Monroe.

By all accounts, her performance looks more than promising and the show looks fantastic. Also starring in this series are Megan Hilty, Debra Messing and Angelica Huston.

New NBC entertainment chief, Eric Greenblatt, wooed Steven Spielberg to produce the series and the network has persistently promoted this potent collaboration.

This is a real coup d’état for NBC, a network that is fighting strongly to reclaim its number one position in the television industry.

And with The Voice and America’s Got Talent in its back pocket plus numerous other projects down the line, it looks like it might just reach its goal.

Have a peek at Katharine’s “Touch Me” video below. And tell us what you think in the comments section. Will you be watching “Smash”?

This just in via Twitter from American Idol Season 5 Runner-Up, the very talented Katharine McPhee:

“Katharine McPhee (@katharinemcphee)
11-06-22 2:19 PM
got a call that I’m going to the finale of @nbc ‘s The Voice next week to watch the final battle & give a sneek peek of @NBCSmash! #excited”

Now that’s exciting news! I wonder what other surprises are in store for the viewers during next Wednesday’s Finale Show. It should be a blast and a half, no?

Well, well, well! Looks like our American Idol Alumnae have been making the news today.

I always like to read about Katharine McPhee’s newest projects.

Today, on Rickey.Org, it was revealed that Katharine McPhee was the main reason behind the creation of the much anticipated Broadway-based show, “Smash”, due to premiere on NBC during the 2011-2012 season.

And according to Deadline, Katharine McPhee’s breakout performance during the pilot season is receiving rave reviews across the board.

I am so happy for her. She is one very talented vocalist who needs to be brought back to the forefront.

I was hoping American Idol would feature her at some point. Apparently her mother, Peisha McPhee, is a vocal coach for the American Idol Season 10 singers.

Are you happy for Katharine? Will you be tuning in to watch “Smash” this Fall? I know I will!

One might just call him the Comeback Kid!

It appears that Season 5 American Idol winner, Taylor Hicks, has embraced his career with tenacity and drive.

According to this interesting article from The Huntsville Times, Taylor has been a busy boy and may be even more busy if his plans come to fruition.

Apparently, Taylor is in negotiations with network and movie executives and feels confident that he will be seen on the television and/or movie screen in the near future. This new career movement has resonated with Taylor in a very profound way.

The Silver-Haired Idol on the Silver Screen? Are you feeling this, readers? I know I am.

This guy means business and, in case you have your doubts, read the rest of the article for some interesting tidbits about Taylor’s career.

Soul Patrol!

What’s the point? The majority of the time, these comparisons fall flat and put extra pressure on the Season 9 singers.

The most ludicrous comparison has been the  suggestion that Aaron Kelly is a replication of Season 7 Top 2 finalist, David Archuleta.  Look, I think Aaron is a very musical and hard-working young musician, possessing great potential in his future performing career.  

But, David Archuleta came to the Season 7 competition equipped with skills that were very advanced and extremely refined plus he knew how to select songs that captured his unique and creative performing style.  I have never seen a young singer so prepared and so confident for the huge opportunity presented to him by American Idol.

Season 8 Top 2 finalist, Adam Lambert, as well, rendered performances that we have never before witnessed on this show.  Like, David, he was meticulously prepared for the American Idol opportunity and knew in his heart where he was venturing as an artist. He had a vision and nothing is more powerful than an exceptional vocalist like Adam with a vision firmly in place. 

Now, when Siobhan screams her passionate vocals everyone thinks it is Adam fueling her singing style, but, perhaps, this has always been what Siobhan was all about.  We should leave this girl alone and let her evolve.  Ditto for so many of the other singers.

The judging panel is confusing these young singers – advice is good, as long as it is consistent. I haven’t felt any consistency from the judges this year and I have to wonder why?  Taken individually, they are all critiquing in a more detailed sense – which is very good,  but, perhaps it is too much for a young singer to take in after a performance.

I would like to see stars emerge before our eyes and the Season 9 singers have the ability to make that happen.  Who will take the ball and run with it? No more favorites – let the chips fall where they may. This is why Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken succeeded – there was no apparent agenda from the powers that be - at least not until the end of the season-  and so they were able to grow and develop into stars in a very liberated manner. 

To emphasize this fact, I will continue to stay as objective and as supportive as I can possibly be through my evaluations. I want to see all of these singers succeed week after week, even if the progression is a slow one.

We must all be patient and give all of these young people the benefit of the doubt. Remember – they know a couple of weeks ahead of time what they will be singing for each show, so, unless we can read a crystal ball, the best we can do is sit back and wait and just enjoy!

It was filmed after her outstanding performance of her new single,“Terrified”, on the Tonight Show With Jay Leno. The number was written by American Idol Judge Kara DioGuardi.

Katharine’s voice and presence continues to impress me; she is an extraordinary artist.

And look at her new hairstyle! If I styled my hair like that I would scare everyone around me but, with her exquisite facial features, it looks beautiful.

You can watch her performance on YouTube. You will not be disappointed. It is absolutely wonderful.

Below, you will hear a song from her upcoming CD!