Katharine McPhee Out With First Holiday Album

Just in time for the holidays, Katharine McPhee has released her first Christmas CD (and third album overall), "Christmas Is the Time to Say I Love You."

It contains many of the star's favorite Yuletide songs.

Although the "American Idol: Season 5" runner-up had to record the album during the schorching summer, she was still feeling the love sans the snow.

"Christmas really is my favorite time of year," McPhee says on her official website. "It takes a little imagination to be recording in the summer, but I don't need a ton of Christmas lights in the studio to inspire me. I know these songs so well. These are the songs I listened to growing up. Hopefully my versions will be unique, but at the same time timeless; full and rich yet simple and intimate."

The "American Idol" alum stopped by "The Early Show on Saturday Morning"'s "Second Cup Cafe" and got the audience in the holiday spirit by performing "Jingle Bells," along with an original song she wrote for the album, "It's Not Christmas Without You."

This isn't the first time fans have heard Christmas songs from McPhee. In 2007, she released the single, "O Come All Ye Faithful," and in 2009 she recorded, "I'll Be Home for Christmas."

Moved by her experiences while touring and performing for people, McPhee wanted to dedicate an entire album to the holiday — and for those near and far, together and alone. Her song, "It's Not Christmas Without You," captures that.

"I've been blessed to share Christmas with my family and close friends," McPHee writes. "Life on the road has made me realize how many people spend Christmas alone. When visiting military hospitals or even meeting fellow travelers working during the holidays, it made me reflect on how hard it can be to celebrate anything when you're away from those you love."

The album reached No. 11 on Billboards Holiday Albums.

McPhee's first solo album debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Top 200 in early 2007, along with her first single "Over the Rainbow"/"My Destiny," which debuted at No. 2 Hot Singles Sales Charts.

In January of this year, she released her sophmore album, "Unbroken." It debuted at No. 27 on the Billboard 200 chart.

McPhee doesn't just have the beautiful vocals, stage presence and good looks — she acts, as well.

Her credits include an appearance on "CSI: New York," in which she premiered "Say Goodbye," a heartbreaking ballad from "Unbroken," as well as a co-starring role in the 2008 hit, "The House Bunny," and an appearance on "Ugly Betty."

She also has a lead role in the upcoming feature film "You May Not Kiss the Bride."