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Katharine's Secret Struggle

Posted Jul 27th 2006 7:00PM by TMZ Staff

Katharine McPhee: Click to watchThe "American Idol" contestant opens up about her struggle with bulimia in an interview with sister and "EXTRA" guest correspondent Adriana McPhee. After building up the courage to tell her mother about her eating disorder, Katharine joined a program, which she says was overwhelming.

"I remember the first day, my first meal when I sat down with the other girls, I cried at the table," she said, "It was just like going face to face and seeing all the other girls struggling at the table and seeing myself actually wanting to eat as fast as I could to get out of there."

Now that she's fully recovered and back on the "Idol" tour, McPhee is happy to be seen as a role model to those in similar situations.

"If I can help somebody, you know, get help and go work on their eating disorder, that's great. If I can cheer up somebody by going to a concert one night, that's great. That's what I'm in it for." And the best part to McPhee - "I feel like I can eat whatever I want."

Tags: Katharine McPhee, KatharineMcphee

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91. I think that there's a lot of whinin' and complainin' here! Who cares if she's a Scientologist, recovered bulemic, diva or wanna-be. I actually think she DOES sing great, has a beautiful look and a sweet personality. She added a lot of charm, charisma and personality to her songs and I think she's humble enough despite what all has gone on. I do think Taylor deserved to win, but she really was the next best singer. (WAY better than Bucky & Kelly!) So she had a sore throat- big whoop. Give her a break! The promoters are the ones that overplay her song, not her.

Posted at 1:08AM on Jul 31st 2006 by Sheri

92. I was so surprised to see her most recent photo shoot. I wouldn't have recognized her had it not been the fact her name appeared on top. She went from having the girl next door image to I want to be a lapdancer image. I too feel she is milking this eating disorder for publicity. She needs to be saying things more supportive not agreeing that dropping 20 lbs by starving is okay. I too have an eating disorder and the last thing you want is for anyone to know let alone the whole world unless you want attention. Who is she helping? Isn' t that why she said she was doing all this? I have an eating disorder that I don't put a label on but I know it's not healthy but I just don't want to stop. I usually will go all day and not eat a thing only drink water and 24 oz of skim milk, if I get real hungry I will eat a salad with hard boiled egg. My stomach is starting to be flatter in only a few days and I like that but then I made dinner for the family and I ate the salad but also a cup of the meal. I even ate a piece of candy. Then I wanted to throw it up but I didn't. Until I read of her struggling like this and like many others I don't sympathize, sorry.

Posted at 1:36AM on Jul 31st 2006 by Paula

93. I love Kat. I think shes amazing. I think shes beautiful. I think shes talented. To eveyone who wants to constantly knock her.....its not all fun and games being famous. Its harder than you think. Not everyone is always in a good mood and wants to talk all the time. Half of us would look like bitches if we had to be on cam all the time. Think about the times you dont feel good or are in a bad mood and then think about 500 cameras in your face at that moment. Cut her some slack poeple. Shes just a normal girl living up the American dream to be famous and successful which we would ALL love to have. KEEP IT UP KAT. For every person you have to knock you down...the are 10 of us to Hold you up!

Posted at 3:05AM on Jul 31st 2006 by Jason Radford

94. How the world did you get as far on Idol as you did?

Posted at 3:09AM on Jul 31st 2006 by Go Taylor

95. I agree with Vicki. Katharine is a phony. She tries to sex everything up just like Jessica Simpson. I guess they think that;s the ONLY way they can get things because neither one of them can sing. Besides, there are hundreds of females who are bulimic and you don't hear them crybabying about it. Get over it Katharine and grow up already.

Posted at 3:10AM on Jul 31st 2006 by Maggie

96. Katharine is a brave young woman to share her personal and painful story to help young (and older) people get through their own eating disorders. She's a remarkable singer and a great personality that will be in the spotlight for as long as she chooses. She's an absolutely lovely young woman who is a great role model for all.

Posted at 3:51AM on Jul 31st 2006 by Steven Schrey

97. Katharine is really too much of an artist, and still not on the tour, does she really care about the one who voted for her???

Posted at 4:21AM on Jul 31st 2006 by Herve

98. How many times can this girl say, "You know" in this interview?

Posted at 4:32AM on Jul 31st 2006 by Paulette

99. It sounds like a lot of jealous women are out there with their claws out. Katherine a has a great voice and a buxom bod to go with it. Bring on the new album!

Posted at 4:53AM on Jul 31st 2006 by Mike

100. Well, I agree with the people here that she is a publicity hound. McFever? Huh? How many more bad puns based on her last name are we going to have to endure? Heck, for awhile it seemed like she was the winner of Idol what with all of the magazine covers and stuff. She is nothing special to look at, isn't that good of a singer, and is simply the product of Idol wanting to have two 'winners' every season to maximize the chance of making a successful star. Stick a fork in her, she's done.

Posted at 5:52AM on Jul 31st 2006 by Tom

101. I commend Katerine for coming forward and admitting to her bulemia. however, I it scares me that she believes she has recovered. In my experience, no one ever recovers and can relapse. I caution her to be constantly aware and use a support group. Best wishes.

Posted at 7:03AM on Jul 31st 2006 by Maryann

102. She is soooooooooooo phony and full of herself. I'm really glad she didn't win. All I can say is she in NO Judy Garland!!! Enough already.....

GO TAYLOR................SOUL PATROL...................

Posted at 7:04AM on Jul 31st 2006 by julie

103. Katherine was clearly the best singer of the American Idols this year. I liked the winner, but He will never be anything different than what he is. (He is a good entertainer, but his voice is so-so. ) Katherine is beautiful and could be turned in to a wonderful entertainer if someone just puts their mind to it.

Posted at 7:25AM on Jul 31st 2006 by Janice Cheek

104. Katharine did a good job on American Idol. Although she did not come in first, she still won and was second. That is a huge accomplishment. I think the bulemia story has gone way to far. Enough is enough. I know several beautiful women that are or have been bulemic. It's a life long battle. The same as someone who has lost 20, 40 or 100 lbs. It's a work in progress. Don't use your bulemia story to make you famous.

It was your singing that got you in 2nd place. Be proud of it and keep singing. Move on and good luck.

Posted at 7:51AM on Jul 31st 2006 by Cindy Strick

105. Doesn't seem to have worked for her. I don't think she is underweight by any means! This may be a publicity ploy.

Posted at 7:59AM on Jul 31st 2006 by reggie

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