Photo SpecialIdol Scrapbook: Katharine McPhee

Catch the McPhever! From L.A. girl to American favorite, see how the runner-up became an Idol finalist. By Julia Wang

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LEAN ON ME

Even young McPhever fans went all out for their hometown hero – by lending a shoulder for her to sign on during a recent visit. "She's very centered," says family friend Susie Welby. "She's of the mind that there's a purpose to everything and that she has a gift that she is here to serve."

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