When it comes to American Idol alumni, Kimberley Locke doesn't really get the credit she deserves. Sure, she hasn't sold as many records as Kelly Clarkson, Chris Daughtry or Carrie Underwood, but she's light years away from William Hung territory. Come to think of it -- her success places her way toward the top of the Fox juggernaut's finalist history, but somehow, she flies under the radar. Let's take a look see: The singer, who placed third behind Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken during season 2 of the show, has four #1 singles on the dance charts and seven Tip 10 singles on the Adult Contemporary Charts. She also became the first Idol finalist to have a #1 sales single with an original song with "8th World Wonder" a decade ago (sorry wrestling fans, that song had little to do with Andre The Giant). The Tennessee native also has three #1 Christmas songs in three straight years -- the first artist ever to accomplish that (sorry Mel Torme).
Locke's successes don't stop there. Following a memorable stint on VH1's Celebrity Fit Club, she became a spokesperson for Jenny Craig and has kept all the weight off. She recently launched her own online series, Cooking with Kimberley, which helps people eat in moderation like she does. But let's get back to the music. Locke has her own company (I Am Entertainment) and recently dropped the EP "Four For The Floor" and a remix album. Last week, she filmed an A-Sides at the Music Conservatory of Westchester and performed new single "Finally Free" in stripped down fashion. Watch. Listen. Love.
"Finally Free"
Interview
About A-Sides with Jon Chattman
Jon Chattman's music series features artists (established or not) from all genres performing a track, and discussing what it means to them. This informal series focuses on the artist making art in a low-threatening, extremely informal (sometimes humorous) way. No bells, no whistles -- just the music performed in a random, low-key setting followed by an unrehearsed chat. In an industry where everything often gets overblown and over manufactured, I'm hoping this is refreshing.