Country music is a hot commodity in 2024 and with so many artists — such as Post Malone, Beyonce and MGK — trying their hand at the genre, it wouldn’t be surprising if Katharine McPhee threw her name into the 10-gallon hat.

The American Idol alum is back in Nashville working on a new album and this time she’s signed a record deal with Melody Place in Music City. She is also scheduled to make her debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage on Oct. 12.

“I’m excited and happy to get back into the studio and record some new music, especially in Nashville, where I had such a great experience,” McPhee says in a statement. “I’m a little overwhelmed making my Opry debut during their 99-year celebration, but it’s going to be fun!”

Is Katharine McPhee Making a Country Album?

If McPhee’s next collection is a country album, she has yet to confirm it. However, her newly-inked deal will put her in the heart of country music. Couple that with an Opry performance and the rumor mill could start churning some hot gossip.

Not to mention she recently shared a few photos with the one and only Shania Twain. The two were not in a studio together — rather Tuscany, Italy — but it does add to the speculation surrounding her next project.

When Was Katharine McPhee on American Idol?

In 2006, McPhee competed on season five of American Idol and finished just short of the title as the first runner-up behind Taylor Hicks. David Foster and Andrea Bocelli both served as mentors during her seasons, and she has worked on several projects with both of them since her time on the show. Although they were in separate relationships at the time, McPhee and Foster were eventually married in 2019 and welcomed a son in 2021.

It’s been several years since McPhee last put out a studio album. Aside from a Christmas album that was released digitally in 2023, her most recent work was I Fall in Love Too Easily which arrived in 2017.

Jess hosts the syndicated radio show, Taste of Country Weekend, which can be heard on country stations nationwide. Tune in for all of the best new country music, spotlights on new tracks and emerging artists, plus Double-Downs on all of your favorites. The weekend is always better with a little Taste of Country in it.