Katharine McPhee is facing intense public backlash after a video surfaced of her performing a personalized tribute to reality star Spencer Pratt. 

The singer and her husband, David Foster, hosted a political fundraiser at her home to support Pratt’s unconventional campaign for mayor of Los Angeles. 

Many observers have labeled the performance as cringeworthy due to the lyrical changes made to a classic anthem in honor of the controversial candidate.

Katharine McPhee Boldly Supports Spencer Pratt’s Mayoral Ambitions

McPhee recently used her musical talents to endorse Pratt’s bid for mayor of Los Angeles during a lavish fundraiser held at her private residence. In an Instagram video, the 42-year-old singer, accompanied by her husband Foster on the piano, performed a modified version of Tina Turner’s iconic hit “The Best” to a room full of supporters. 

During the performance, McPhee adjusted the famous lyrics to directly target Pratt’s political opponents, singing that he is better than incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and City Councilmember Nithya Raman.

She passionately told the crowd that Pratt is the one who will “fix this broken L.A.” and even encouraged the attendees to sing along with her as she praised his leadership qualities, per PEOPLE Magazine.

Pratt, who officially entered the mayoral race in January, was seen nodding and tapping his foot behind McPhee as she belted out the personalized tribute. 

His decision to run for office was largely motivated by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires that occurred last year, which resulted in the total destruction of the home he shared with his wife, Heidi Montag, and their two young sons. 

Fans Lashed Out At Katharine McPhee For Her Endorsement

This musical endorsement did not sit well with the public, as social media users quickly flooded the internet with harsh critiques of the performance and the event.

Many onlookers labeled the display as “cringe,” with some expressing disbelief that a former reality show villain was being positioned as a political savior for the city.  “This is embarrassing,” one user wrote. 

“What a beautiful day for a Klan rally,” another added. Critics were quick to draw comparisons to past political movements led by wealthy television personalities, questioning whether people had learned anything about voting for “incompetent” celebrities. 

“What a disgusting display of wealth. This man has done nothing to deserve a political position,” a user wrote. 

The backlash also extended to the hosts themselves, with one commenter noting that the fundraiser was “not a good look for the Fosters.”

While a few supporters voiced their encouragement for Pratt’s campaign, the overwhelming sentiment was one of frustration, with some users even making extreme comparisons to controversial rallies and dismissing the gathering as a way for the wealthy to support candidates who only benefit the rich.

Spencer Pratt’s Campaign Received Attention From Hollywood Hotshots

Despite the heated public criticism, Pratt’s campaign continues to gain significant momentum as more Hollywood heavyweights offer their support.

The recent fundraiser hosted by Foster and McPhee was not just a small gathering but a star-studded event that included influential figures like producer Brian Grazer. 

During the evening, McPhee’s musical tribute included a lighthearted blunder when she accidentally referred to opponent Nithya Raman as “Cynthia.” She quickly laughed off the error, admitting, “I called her Cynthia,” while Pratt remained unfazed by the slip, per The Blast. 

Notably, this public backing is a full-circle moment for the candidate, who previously praised Foster as the greatest of all time in his memoir, noting that he grew up admiring the legendary composer’s work.

Spencer Pratt Recently Clarified His Living Situation

The momentum of Pratt’s campaign has been built largely on his identity as a displaced victim of the 2025 Palisades fire, though his actual living situation has recently come under fire. 

In a campaign advertisement, the candidate contrasted the lavish homes of his political rivals, Karen Bass and Nithya Raman, with an Airstream trailer parked on his former property, claiming, “This is where I live,” per The Blast.

However, reports surfaced revealing that Pratt has actually been staying at the luxury Hotel Bel-Air, while his wife and children reside north of the city. Challenged on these findings during a live appearance, Pratt attempted to clarify his status to hosts Harvey Levin and Charles Latibeaudiere. 

He pushed back against accusations of dishonesty by stating plainly, “I don’t have a house… I don’t live anywhere.” 

Spencer Pratt May Consider More Reality TV If He Gets Elected

While Pratt continues to highlight the personal loss of his home, he is simultaneously preparing to bring his reality television roots directly into the mayor’s office.

Sources have reported that the candidate has signed a deal with Boardwalk Pictures to document his entire political journey, ensuring the cameras keep rolling if he is elected. 

According to The Blast, this contract specifically provides for a show that would follow the “first family of Los Angeles” during his potential tenure, merging his public service with the media career that made him famous. 

Currently, the production company and Pratt have yet to determine the exact logistics of filming within the seat of government if he wins this November.