Kimberley Locke: Life after “American Idol”
Once the final chapter of “American Idol” is written there will be a few things that will not go unmentioned: Simon’s sharp tongue, Paula Abdul’s unpredictable antics and the big powerful voices that the show introduced to America. One of those voices is season 2 finalist, Kimberley Locke. She may not have beat out Clay Aiken or Ruben Studdard but she has proven that with determination you can still find success on the dance floor, that is. 
Since leaving “American Idol, Kimberley has racked up numerous Billboard dance hits including her latest hit “Strobelight.” Now she is the first artist signed to “American Idol” judge Randy Jackson’s Dream Merchant 21 record label and hard at work on her upcoming reality series, “Making the Curve.”
Kimberley walked down memory lane with TeenMusic.com to talk pulling down Clay Aiken’s pants, why she never had weight issues until she came to Hollywood, her mother’s battle with breast cancer and diabetes, and more.
On why “American Idol” still has a chance:
I think there is hope because it s a good show. Even though Simon is leaving it’s tricky ‘cause people love him for his bluntness and hate him for the same reason. They want to hear what he has to say so it will be different. I think it can survive because it’s feel-good. People love having contestants in their living room after week and seeing the kid next door have their dreams come true and grow.
On the memorable moments of “American Idol” we didn’t see:
There is stuff that happened in the house that’s not on television. A couple of my favorites was one night we chilled out on a Sunday at home and Clay was in the kitchen at the refrigerator. He had done something embarrassing to someone and I pulled his pants down while he was standing there. He took out running after me to the end of the house and fell down laughing hysterically. I will never ever forget that moment.
On how her new reality show, “Making the Curve,” is going to change the game:
Our show is going to be structured in a way where it is about the music but being overworked is part of this business. So my show will introduce these women to the business. For whatever reason, they never got the chance to be on the front lines because of the stereotype of what a lead singer should look like. 
On weight issues:
I never thought I had a weight problem until I got to Hollywood. I’m from the south and most look like me so it wasn’t an issue. In high school I was captain of the cheerleading team and played softball. Of course in college I put on a few extra pounds but statistically that’s one of the most stressful times in your life. Now for teens it’s different than when I was a kid. Back then we were constantly doing something outside and were active. Now many kids are at home playing video games or on the computer. It’s a different time. It’s not bad because we love technology but it’s different. For teens struggling with weight it’s sad for them but I think they can change it they’re still young. It’s all about making good choices.
On her mom’s heath scare:
A few years back we found out she had breast cancer. She went through the reconstructive mastectomy and during that she found out she was diabetic. So for me I’m always reminding my mom that you can control this and don’t have to be really sick. So it’s a slow process for her. I think it’s all about learning new habits. She is better but I want her to absolutely do better. It’s a gradual thing and I’m constantly saying eat this instead of that and try this. You have to be patient with yourself and I have to be patient with my mother.
On who she was at age 6:
I was learning and my mom tells me that since reading I never shut up. I was already signing all the time. On Saturdays I’d stay with my record player and sing by myself. So at that age my mom was always there and we were buddies hanging out there all the time.
On who she was at 13:
I was in a group called Shades of You and we did everything together. There were 4 or 5 of us. When we were 15 we all ran away from home. We didn’t run far and not for long. W ended up going home after eight hours. We were at the age where we hated our parents and said they were horrible. So it was typical teenage stuff.
On who she is now:
I’m an adult. Even though I am older and had life experiences I don’t feel old. I still feel very young. This past weekend I hooked up with classmates and we danced. I love to dance. So for me I love to have fun.
