New York, July 26, 2006 – American Idol runner up Katharine McPhee’s bouts with bulimia and with bronchitis and laryngitis seem to have had no effect on her bouncy locks. She recovered sufficiently from her respiratory problems to announce that she’s the new face – (head?) – of Sexy Hair Concepts. At the press conference at New York’s Ritz Carlton Hotel, McPhee told us that she doesn’t carry out any superstitious rituals before a performance, but “Sometimes I pray”.

The 22-year-old returned to good health at an opportune time: she’s going to join her fellow AI tour mates at the White House, where they’ll meet President Bush, and she’ll record an album in the Fall.