Exclusive Premiere: Listen to Katharine McPhee's Powerful New Pop Anthem "Stranger Than Fiction"
Kat is back.

It's been five years, but fan favorite Katharine McPhee is finally making her musical comeback. The American Idol and Smash alum, who's now busy on CBS's Scorpion, is poised to top the charts again—and, fittingly, it's with an album called Hysteria.
From her collaborators—Sia, OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder, and Florence & the Machine's Isabella Machine—to the fiery lead single "Lick My Lips," the album marks a significant milestone in McPhee's career.
The latest track off the record, "Stranger Than Fiction," is an airy pop ballad that's full of last-gasp-of-summer energy. "This song captures a time where I was finding strength from independence, love, and faith from the most peculiar places—hence life is stranger than fiction," McPhee told us.
Lisen to the exclusive MarieClaire.com premiere of the feel-good ballad here, and look out for Hysteria, which drops next month on September 18th.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Lauren Valenti is Vogue’s former senior beauty editor. Her work has also appeared on ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, and in In Style. She graduated with a liberal arts degree from Eugene Lang College, The New School for Liberal Arts, with a concentration on Culture and Media Studies and a minor in Journalism.
-
The "Frightening" Easter Prank William Played on Eugenie
"Prince William has just stood on a chair and bitten the mouse's head off."
By Amy Mackelden
-
A Resurfaced Photo Reveals Charlotte's Royal Lookalike
"The Spencer genes are so strong."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Why Prince Andrew Attended Royal Family's Easter Service
It was previously alleged King Charles's "patience was wearing thin" with his brother.
By Amy Mackelden
-
Rico Nasty Shares What Music Shaped Her—and What's on Her Playlist Now
With her new album 'LETHAL' coming soon, the rapper opens up about her musical preferences for the 'Marie Claire' series "Listen Up."
By Sadie Bell
-
In 'Opus,' Cult Leaders and Pop Stars Are One in the Same
The A24 film's costume and production designers open up about crafting fictional pop icon Moretti’s style and mysterious estate.
By Sadie Bell
-
The Melancholic Sound of Success
The artist known as Japanese Breakfast opens up about finding her sound on a new album after experiencing whirlwind success.
By Sadie Bell
-
LISA, Doja Cat, and Raye Perform a Glamorous 'James Bond' Tribute at the 2025 Oscars
The Academy Awards are for the pop girls, actually.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Aly & AJ Share What Music Shaped Them—And What's on Their Playlist Now
With their new album 'Silver Deliverer' coming soon, the sister act opens up about their musical preferences for the 'Marie Claire' series "Listen Up."
By Sadie Bell
-
Beyoncé Wins Album of the Year for the First Time Ever at the 2025 Grammys
The superstar—who has the most wins in the award show's history—took home the biggest prize of the night for 'Cowboy Carter.'
By Sadie Bell
-
Chappell Roan Wins Best New Artist at the 2025 Grammys—And Called Upon Record Labels to Enact Artist Healthcare Reform
The Midwest Princess made a powerful speech while accepting the award for Best New Artist.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Doechii Wins Best Rap Album at the Grammys and Dedicates the Award to Black Women: "You're Exactly Who You Need to Be"
"The Swamp Princess" is the third female rapper to take home the gramophone.
By Quinci LeGardye