Kimberley Locke is a gifted, multifaceted entertainer, who gained fame after being a finalist and finishing third on the second season of American Idol.

"In my mind, it was my last audition," said Locke about American Idol. She was preparing for her first semester of law school and ready to move her career in another direction. Family and friends encouraged Locke to audition for Idol and it soon became a showcase for her powerful voice. Locke continued to reveal her many talents and her fans are very supportive. 

The Entertainer: Singer, Celebrity, Actress, Model, Idol

With number one singles on dance and holiday charts, top ten hits in adult contemporary, Locke has earned her success post-American Idol.

Founder of I AM Entertainment, Locke even offers consulting service to artists of every genre. The Emmy-winning producer and mentor Ann Marie Williams-Gray is fueling Locke’s cooking web show “Cooking With Kimberley”.

Her American Idols

After discussing the project for a few years, Locke is in South Florida December 7-8, starring in a show entitled "My American Idols", as part of the Cabaret by the Bay Series at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. "This show is about me looking back over my musical life, remembering the ladies who inspired me along the way and what they represent in my singing career," said Locke. Renowned cabaret pianist Rick Leonard serves as musical director with David Sexton as the co-producer. Leonard encouraged her to move forward with the concept after warm receptions to private affairs.

The stories are very organic and loosely scripted, meaning a little variety each night. Locke relives moments with artists like Etta James, Judy Garland, Whitney Houston, Patti LaBelle, including personal encounters with them and the ways in which they touched her life. "Really it is about my career and personal stories before Idol," said Locke.

The show highlights her multidimensional talents as a narrator, entertainer, singer and comic. "This show is an opportunity for me to do something different. Since American Idol, it has been about producing hit songs," said Locke. Exploring skills outside her mainstream, she is hoping attendees will discover a different side of Kimberley Locke and feel a personal connection through the musical journey of her singing career, from childhood to today.

Locke's very vivid memories of icons and inspirations can come full circle, as she discusses a memory of watching the AMA's in her youth and seeing Cyndi Lauper perform the powerful song "True Colors" while splattering buckets of paint across the floor. Having met Lauper five years ago at a human rights convention in Washington D.C., Locke shared her vivid memory with Lauper. Since then the two non-profits the artists are closely tied to have joined efforts to produce camps for kids. The True Colors Fund was co-founded by Lauper and Locke is a board member of One Heartland.

The Goal                           

"My ultimate goal as an entertainer is to have an impact," said Locke. A year ago she was attached to a show called "The Revolution", about helping people take control of their lives. It was a weight-loss show but also a transformational show, said Locke. Meeting many women who are inspired by her personal journey and music, Locke inspires others through her stories. She is happy to share via music, talk shows, books and even her cooking show.

For many years, Locke has been actively involved with One Heartland, a national non-profit organization committed to improving the lives of children and their families impacted by HIV/AIDS. One Heartland sends the infected kids to camp free of charge and educates the family. They also offer a family camp. It provides a "safe place for the kids to talk about their disease with other kids, without judgment," said Locke.

“Finally Free” is one of Locke’s latest huge hits. An infectious beat with a powerful message, she co-wrote the song with Ace Young from American Idol. The universal message is freeing oneself from bondage. The song is packaged on iTunes with different mixes, but each version has the same positive message. "Be able to standup, take care of yourself and embrace your life. There is freedom in that," said Locke

The Journey

Locke will be releasing her next single the first of the year, sharing personal journeys of nutrition on her cooking show and looking forward to more music. With almost 21,000 Twitter followers, fans would surely love to see Locke in anything from movies to cabaret. "My fans keep me motivated," said Locke, receiving inspiration from their support.

Encouraging aspiring artists to embrace their passion, "knock down walls," said Locke. Find your space and find that ultimate way to share your gift while operating within your moral code, advised Locke. "The entertainment industry can be very brutal, but if you believe that is your true mission just go for it and don't let anybody stop you."

Enjoy Kimberley Locke's latest holiday video:

Post-show Review:

Kimberley Locke is engaging in this intimate performance. This musical, emotional, entertaining journey was raw, real, organic, inspired, comical and powerful. With backstage American Idol tales, along with tributes to music legends and Spanx, Locke exposed the audience to influential moments, vulnerable times and the lighthearted side of Kimberley Locke. Rick Leonard, musical director, selected songs that were unpredictable and very suited to Locke's powerhouse vocals. Look for this tour in the future, along with Broadway and movies.