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 recently released her new dance single, "Strobelight," a collaboration with Randy Jackson's Dream Merchant 21 label and INgrooves with Cutfather producing the track.

With 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 20 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, N.Y.

Immediately following her appearance on "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 nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of children impacted by HIV/AIDS, along with their families. 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.

Locke has branched out as a television personality and host, providing hosting duties at red carpet events for E!, Extra, and The Insider. She has hosted GSN's "World Slam" and MTV's "Little Talent Show," and co-hosted several episodes of ABC's "The View." Currently, she is the host and executive producer of "Making the Curve," a reality show singing competition that will put together a supergroup of plus-sized women, which has garnered major interest from several networks.