Show-stopper! Katharine McPhee returns to American Idol to reprise her stunning performance of Somewhere Over The Rainbow
Katharine McPhee returned to American Idol with a show-stopping performance on Thursday.
The season five runner-up made a guest appearance on the FOX singing competition to reprise her iconic rendition of Somewhere Over The Rainbow.
The singer earned raves for her stunning performance of the Judy Garland classic while a contestant on the show in 2006.
Stunning: Katharine McPhee returned to American Idol to reprise her pitch-perfect rendition of Somewhere Over The Rainbow on Thursday
And she again gave a pitch-perfect rendition of the song as she took to the stage in an ethereal pink gown on Thursday.
The performer, who turned 32 on Friday, wore her brunette hair down as she gave it her all while dramatic stage fog swirled around her.
Her pretty dress featured a structural bodice and a sheer skirt with tiered ruffles.
The singer's show-stopping performance earned her a standing ovation from judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr.
'It’s good to be back,' she told host Ryan Seacrest.
Pretty in pink: The Scorpions star wore a sheer pink gown as she returned to the Idol stage
Then and now: Katharine as a contestant on the show in season five, right
Although she lost the Idol crown to Taylor Hicks, Katharine has gone on to become of the show's biggest success stories.
She stared on TV show Smash and currently appears in CBS drama Scorpion, with costar boyfriend Elyes Gabel.
She also recently released her latest album Hysteria.
High note: The singer earned a standing ovation from the judges after her performance
Center stage: Katharine's pretty gown featured a sheer, frilly skirt
Star power: The season five runner-up first performed the Wizard Of Oz classic on the show back in 2006
The former Smash star's original version of the Wizard Of Oz song was widely praised as one of the best American Idol performances ever.
Former Idol judge Simon Cowell picked the song for her at the time, saying: 'I knew from the very first day I met Katharine that this song is probably the most perfect song in the world for her.'
Pop star Sia also appeared on Idol on Thursday, and was moved to tears as she coached the contestants through their performances of her hit songs.
The 'Farewell Season' of the long-running reality show is bringing back some of its biggest stars for the grand finale, with Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Chris Daughtry and Jordin sparks all set to return.
Big fans: The singer earned a standing ovation from Idol judges Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick, Jr
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3509641/Katharine-McPhee-returns-America-Idol-reprise-stunning-performance-Rainbow.html#ixzz442iUulUD
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