This article first appeared on WPIX.com

Former American Idol contestant Katharine McPhee joined the show today bringing with her some new tunes, and a fresh look.

McPhee performed “Had It All” and “Keep Drivin’,” two singles from her new album Unbroken, released January 5th.

McPhee was a brunette when America noticed her on the fifth season of American Idol back in 2006. The singer/songwriter came in second place that season, and mezmerized America with her rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” RCA records snatched up the fledgling artist and she released her self-titled debut album in early 2007.

Now she’s platinum blonde and getting more personal with her music. In Unbroken, the singer flexes her vocal and lyrical muscles. McPhee co-wrote many of the songs on her album, citing her life as inspiration. She said on her myspace page, “This record is definitely more personal to me […] I have more stories to tell. It’s more of an artistic look at me as a person.”

Unbroken is available in stores or on iTunes. For more information about McPhee or her music, visit http://www.katharinemcphee.com/.

This article first appeared on WPIX.com