From Class to Trash: McPhee Gets an Extreme Makeover

When I picked up Katharine McPhee's album in glorious anticipation just two weeks ago I expected to see yet another rendition of her signature idol song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." I was disappointed, as I can only imagine, many of her loyal fans must be.

On Idol, Kat was a bluesy/ballady/belter, but for months she warned her fans she was going to do something no one expected. And she certinaly didn't disappoint. We got something different – something very different.

She stayed as far away from "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" as she could. Her album cover highlights the transformation. From classy and elegant, to sexy and sultry, it's evident Kat's not looking back.

I suspect that will turn out to be a big mistake.

It's rare for any of my favorite idol alums to disappoint me, unfortunately Kat's the first. I can handle pop, I love pop. But most of the songs are some sort of werid mix between pop music with splashes of R&B and hip-hop.

Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood have been so successful because they stuck to and gave their fans what they wanted and expected. Kelly was smart enough to wait until her second album to transition into something she wanted to do. Kat should have taken a look at the ones who came before her, swallowed her pride, and eased herself into something different – after she was established.

In the music business few artists get a first chance much less a second chance. I hope Kat does.

Her album moved a lukewarm 116,000 units in its first week of release, but in comparison fourth place finisher Chris Daughtry moved an impressive 77,000 units the same week – more than two months after his release.

Well at least Kat has other aspirations such as modeling and acting.