Kimberley Locke

In the past few years Nashville native Kimberley Locke, a pop/R&B singer, has had eight Top 20 Adult Contemporary hits, three #1 Dance hits, and eight #1’s across various Billboard charts. She also had three #1 Christmas singles which led to a holiday tour with Dave Koz, whom she dueted with on the classic, “Please Come Home for Christmas.”

She gained fame with her participation in the 2003 American Idol® television series where she was second runner up to Ruben Studdard, and in 2007 she garnered media attention for her participation in VH1’s “Celebrity Fit Club.”

Locke is excited to release her new dance single, “Strobelight,” a collaboration with “Idol” judge and producer Randy Jackson’s Dream Merchant 21 label and INgrooves with Cutfather (Christina Aguilera, Santana, Pussycat Dolls) producing the track. “Strobelight” is slated for release April 6, 2010.

With her musical aspirations at the age of 11, she and three childhood friends formed a quartet named Shadz of U, which performed at many local churches. During her high school years at Gallatin High School, she was one of twenty members to participate in its “Performers” group. She remained in the group throughout high school.

In 2001, Locke received a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Marketing from Belmont University. With her business acumen, keen interest in new business ventures and passion for food, Locke served as co-owner of the Croton Creek Steak House & Wine Bar in Westchester County, NY.

Immediately following “American Idol,” Locke signed a modeling contract with Ford Models wherein she landed a two year deal with clothing retailer Lane Bryant and became the face of their Seven7 Jeans Designer Collection campaign.

Within the same year of her Lane Bryant contract, Locke worked with Disney on a recording of “A Dream is a Wish” for the DisneyMania 3 album and its accompanying TV/DVD special. She also recorded a song for Universal’s “The Perfect Man” CD.

For the past six years, Locke has been actively involved with Camp Heartland, a national non-profit organization committed to improving the lives of children and their families impacted by HIV/AIDS. She has also worked with several HIV/AIDS related charities, including the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids
Foundation, YouthAIDS, and the Davy Foundation. In November 2007, Locke was presented with the Red Ribbon Award in recognition for her extensive charitable efforts as an HIV/AIDS activist. She was recently personally invited by Michelle Obama to participate in the kick off of the First Lady's mentoring program in Detroit, MI. Kimberley had the opportunity to speak with underprivileged children about her own struggles and performed her new single for all attendees.

In addition to various tour dates, performances, and preparation for a live tour, Locke has branched out as a television personality and host, and oftentimes provides hosting duties at red carpet events for “E!,” “Extra,” and “The Insider.” She has hosted GSN’s “World Slam,” MTV’s “Little Talent Show” and co-hosted several episodes of ABC’s “The View.”

Locke is currently attached to host and executive produce “Making the Curve,” a developmental reality show competition that will put together a supergroup of plus-sized women, which has garnered major interest from several networks.