What was kept so secret has turned into one of the most romantic love stories of two celebrities. Katharine McPhee and David Foster's story started in 2006 on the set of American Idol. Rumors started around these two before they had even become a formal couple — but perhaps the fans knew what was to come.
This musical pair stayed in touch over the years, and despite the age difference — Katharine is 36 and David is 71 – they have stayed the course through a courtship, engagement, marriage, and now have a new baby boy!
Even David's children have fallen in love with Katharine, and it's no wonder. The talented duo are bucking the system and this timeline shows how they developed a sweet relationship right before our eyes.
Where It All Began
It all started on season five of American Idol where David was a guest mentor for the Top 6 Week and, you guessed it, worked with Katharine. Katharine and David worked on a song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" together. The track was released shortly after. This relationship started professionally, but as we now know, didn't end there.
Keeping It Professional
The couple has consistently worked together on a few projects. Katharine and David returned to American Idol to perform the song “Something” by the Beatles. Later, the pair collaborated on “I Will Be There With You” for Japan Airlines where David produced the song with Katharine’s vocals. They also worked together musically in David’s PBS tribute concert Hit Man: David Foster & Friends in 2008.
Running in the Same Circles
In addition to musical collaborations, David and Katharine were in the same social circles. The pair would see each other at mutual friends' events, like Jane Seymour’s Open Hearts Foundation Inaugural Celebration and Barbara Streisand’s 75th birthday in Malibu. Running around town together definitely helped fan rumors of the two getting closer.
Playing Coy
Although the pair had known each other for a while, they took their time in solidifying their relationship. David spoke about being single with Vanity Fair, saying, "This is the first time in my adult life that I've been single, it's a very powerful feeling, but I'm not used to it."
PDA at Dinner
In May 2017, Katharine and David were spotted at a PDA-filled dinner at Nobu in Malibu, California, before commenting on their relationship in public. It was hard for them to keep things under wraps at this point, especially after diners witnessed them kissing. One diner explained that David and Katharine were “very intimate” during the dinner.
Just Friends?
David and Katharine were next seen as friends at a Los Angeles Lakers game together. Soon after, another sighting of the love birds heated up the conversation around them. Katharine was in attendance at the producer’s 68th birthday celebration with his daughters, Erin and Sara Foster, and stepsons, Brody and Brandon Jenner.
Meeting the Mom
Next, Katharine and David met the parents. E! News confirmed that Katharine and David traveled to Vancouver on a getaway together. Katharine’s mom joined the vacation where Katharine was staying to film her project, The Lost Wife of Robert Durst. Both families appeared to get along well at this point in the relationship.
Keeping It Quiet
Katharine attempted to keep the relationship under wraps when interviewed by Health magazine. Of their relationship, Katharine said: “We’re very close friends, and we’ve been friends for a long time. I’m really, really fond of him, and I think he’s an incredible person … People can say whatever they want.”
The Rumors Got Louder
Those rumors kept going until it was all too obvious that the pair were romantically linked. In December 2019, the couple was seen kissing in public while leaving the Beverly Hills restaurant E Baldi. An inside source commented that “David is usually a playboy, but Katharine has made him change his ways, and he is really comfortable with her.” The source added that the couple was, “more serious than they have ever been.”
The Two Performers Together
After being seen publicly together, the couple could then performed musically with ease. David and Katharine performed “White Christmas” and “My Grown Up Christmas List” at a star-studded holiday party. The pair were caught on camera by Kim Kardashian at the party where everyone saw them together, despite the fact that they were still remaining mum on the relationship.
Holiday Time Together
In December 2017, Katharine and David were seen together in Paris, where they reportedly couldn’t keep their hands off of each other. This definitely qualified as a cozy holiday season rounding out an intimate year for the pair.
Slowing It Down
Both David and Katharine were previously married, so there was no rush down the aisle for these two. A source shared with E! News: “David has not shown any interest in getting married again. He hasn’t discounted how he feels about Katharine but there are no plans for them to even get engaged anytime soon.”
Finally, Engaged!
David finally popped the question in 2018! Apparently, only a few family members knew about the secret plans for David to propose while on vacation in Europe. Both of David’s daughters were happy about the news, gushing about how much they loved Katharine. David proposed at the top of a mountain in Anacapri, Italy.
Celebrating Publicly
Throughout 2018 and 2019 the couple were seen almost everywhere. Attending events like the 2018 Carousel of Hope Ball, American Idol’s Simon Cowell’s Hollywood Walk of Fame celebration, and Elton John’s Oscars viewing party. On and off the red carpet, the couple was finally able to celebrate their love publicly.
Wedding Bells
The couple tied the knot at the church of St. Yeghiche in London in June 2019. Katharine wore a custom Zac Posen dress, which required 250 yards of tulle. The wedding festivities included a tour of London for family and friends of the couple. And to add to the sweetness of the day, the pair wed 13 years to the day that her single "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" was released. And who produced that single? David, of course.
Something Blue
For their wedding reception, Katharine wore a custom, strapless Zac Posen ball gown with a sweetheart neckline. The blue, silk cocktail dress appeared to be a nod to the “something blue” tradition. David chose a classic tuxedo for the celebration and the reception was noticeably more casual with family-style food.
Honeymoon Dreams
The honeymoon for this Hollywood couple was a throwback destination for the pair. They returned back to Italy, where they got engaged, to enjoy a romantic honeymoon in the “Bel Paese.” The couple made it a trip all over Southern Europe. After a full wedding weekend, a relaxing vacation was probably needed.
Where True Love Prevailed
In one of their only interviews about their romantic love story, Katharine said of her husband, “I’ve always just admired him and loved him, and he’s always been so great to people around him.” While David initially loved her beautiful singing voice, he later expanded on his love for his wife, saying: “Where do I start? I mean, the inner beauty, the outer beauty. And we’ve been friends for 14 years.”
The Newest Addition to the Family
First comes love. Then comes marriage. Then comes baby! The “Smash” star gave birth to son, Rennie, in February 2021. She's since shared a few cute mommy moments on Instagram, including this hilarious picture of herself pumping.
