Kimberley Locke is most recognized for her participation in the second season of the mega-hit American Idol. During the show’s early stages, there were only a handful of Idol contestants that made a career for themselves after the show was over. However, Locke is a strategic business woman, who had planned to make sure she would have a career instead of fifteen minutes of fame.
As many of you know, I have a new partnership with ainow.org for all American Idol related interviews, and so it was my most sincere pleasure to bring Kimberley in for our debut interview. It’s no secret that I’ve known her since her time on Idol, and even though I have worked with her on television and written with her in the studio, this is our first time interviewing. Since I knew her so well, I was apprehensive on what questions I should ask her, so I turned to her fans on the various social networks to send me questions on what they would want to know about Kimberley Locke. After going through hundreds of emails and questions, I narrowed it down to what you’ll see today.
Kimberley Locke has recorded three albums and has had eight Top 20 Adult Contemporary hits, three #1 Dance hits, and eight #1’s across various Billboard charts. Her first single, “8th World Wonder” debuted at #1 on the singles chart, making American Idol history as the first contestant not signed with an Idol label to have a #1. She is currently working with famed Idol judge/music producer Randy Jackson on her new dance single, “Strobelight” which will be out in April.
After my studio interview, Kimberley invited me to her Los Angeles home that she shares with television personality Harvey Walden (VH1’s Celebrity Fit Club). The pair met in 2007 during her participation on the show, and they recently relocated from New York and Washington D.C. to be with each other in L.A.
In part one of my sit down interview with Kimberley, we discuss her life on Idol and her #1 hit “8th World Wonder.” We also answer fan questions about her past songs and her new dance single.
In part two, we dive into her past friendship with former American Idol contestant and roommate Clay Aiken. Kimberley has never publicly commented on Aiken since his “coming out” interview with Diane Sawyer, where Aiken admits that Locke was the only one he told about his homosexuality. She also discuses how past experiences have helped pen songs like “Friend Like You,” and others.
In 2010, Locke will serve as host and executive producer of the new television reality show “Making the Curve,” which will follow the process of forming a plus-size recording group. She also has a PBS special with Ron Benise that will air in March. Although Locke is career focused, she is also active in many charities, particularly in raising awareness of HIV/AIDS and breast cancer. In recognition of her extensive charitable efforts as an HIV/AIDS activist, she was presented with the Red Ribbon Award in November, 2007.
| Posted by Josh on January 3, 2010 @ 7:16 PM |  |
BORING as usual. Kim has proved that once an opportunist, always an opportunist.
Comment by Tallis — January 3, 2010 @ 7:59 PM
What a tool she is. Cannot stand the woman. Could she have been more snide about Clay?
Comment by jen — January 3, 2010 @ 8:16 PM
Great interview!!! I can’t WAIT for Making the Curve!!! Not only to see Kimberley but to see plus size women with TALENT!!! Because we REALLY need some much needed fresh air from all the stagnance of skinny chicks with so-so singing talents!!
Comment by Terry, Jr. — January 3, 2010 @ 9:46 PM
So you needed to use Clay Aiken to get noticed? Shame on you.
Comment by Heather — January 3, 2010 @ 10:42 PM
Super job! I’m glad that they are using you for all the idol interviews, that lends a great continuity to it. Keep ‘em coming, Josh!!
Comment by Kerney Whitman — January 4, 2010 @ 12:07 AM
This interview was most likely one of my favorites for it was long, in depth, and interesting. Kim has a lot going for her in 2010 and I could not be more proud then I am now. She deserves everything! May she have a great birthday!
Comment by Katie — January 4, 2010 @ 2:04 AM
Enjoyed your interview with Kimberley Josh, just wish it was longer. Josh you ask alot of questions of Kimberley that had already been answered., yet you were very professional and nice. Keep up the good work Josh I really enjoyed your interviews.
Comment by Darrell Matthews — January 4, 2010 @ 2:50 AM
Kim’s career is obviously in a very sad state when the biggest draw for this interview is her comments about Clay. Too bad she wasn’t as good a friend to him as he was to her.
Comment by Sean — January 4, 2010 @ 5:39 AM
Why was the comment that I made this morning not posted? Are only comments that are positive being used? Can’t someone have a different opinion and express it?
Comment by Tallis — January 4, 2010 @ 5:51 AM
Absolutely loved the interview. Kimberley is a beautiful and confident young lady and successful in every sense of the word. She has proven that you don’t have to have an over-the-top and rabid fan base to have a successful career nor does she need to feed off others to gain this success. She is busy in the industry and is a recognized talent. Hats off to you Josh for spotlighting former idols that often get overlooked or have their successes downplayed by the foolishness of some who are stuck in competition mode and hell-bent on being destructive.
Comment by Jan — January 4, 2010 @ 8:23 AM
Hi Kim,
I love love this interview. You are doing so well and I am glad. I have been a fan of yours since American Idol. Good luck and Happy belated Birthday!!
Comment by Tina — January 4, 2010 @ 6:44 PM
Kimberley looks absolutely sensational. It’s kinda sad that Clay’s fans feel the need to post their negative comments on Josh’s website when nothing negative was even said of Clay. Josh stated these were questions that were submitted by fans. It was most likely one of Clay’s fans that submitted the question.
Aside from having to witness that, I thoroughly enjoyed the interview. I look forward to Kimberley’s new single next month. Being offered a chance to not only host but to produce your own show is an incredible opportunity. I wish Kimberley much success with all her projects this year.
Comment by Scott — January 5, 2010 @ 2:58 AM
Tallis, Jen, Heather and Sean….what’s the problem? The Clay part was a mere moment in this interview. My guess is you didn’t even watch it. There was nothing snide said about him, in fact she kept her opinions to herself. As for that being the way to get the interview noticed…HUH???? I’m sure you Claymates can find a more productive way to help his career…this just makes his fans look like a bunch of whiners.
Comment by Kerney — January 5, 2010 @ 4:46 AM
Hi Josh And Kimberley,
Awesome interview, Thank you for letting us into your life and sharing some personal things. LOVE your voice Kimberley, your range just blows me away and the story telling in your music is beautiful.
As far as Clay Aiken’s story and what he confided to you is past history and you did the right thing by keeping it to yourself, because it wasn’t your place to say anything, and you sure as hell didn’t “bash” him in the interview,
as some of the other commenters have said, like “Jen”, who is a loser herself, because she hasn’t got up off her butt to accomplish anything like you have Kimberley, she is just jealous, unhappy and doesn’t have the drive to succeed like you do and Kerney got it right in his rebuke to those folks !!!!
I am very happy for you Kimberley, that you have pushed forward and have made a place for yourself amongst the other stars, Clay Aiken and Ruben Stoderd(?), have not pushed themselves to win, nor do they have your faith in Christ Jesus. A diamond in the rough that has been cut and shaped into a most beautiful and unique shape. I can only hope to watch your star rise and shine.
Thank you Josh for the interview, and Thank You Kimberley for sharing yourself to us, your fans who love you and want you to succeed in all you do.
Peace and a world wide-One Love!
Sincerely,
Mark Smith
Comment by Mark Smith — January 6, 2010 @ 1:37 AM
I totally agree with Kerney and Mark here!! Now I didn’t wanna say anything about because I’ve secretly promised myself NOT to get emotinoally riled up about what the haters might say about Kimberley, but this is something I need to get off my chest. While I enjoyed the interview and I felt that Josh done a great job, I partially blame hime for bringing up that Clay question in the first place, because deep I had a feeling that some Claymates are gonna start to hating. I didn’t want to say anything because like I’ve said, I didn’t want to worrymyself as I’ve done years ago, but there are just SOME people who will NOT LET GO!!! Honestly, Kim was just being honest, and like she said, it wasn’t her place to bash him. And I felt she DIDN’T bash him. But REALLY!!! It’s the past!!! LET IT GO!!!!! And Kimberley, SCREW THE HATERS and DO YOU!!!!!
Comment by Terry, Jr. — January 6, 2010 @ 4:26 AM
I think, in regards to the Clay question, yes people are going to ask it because it was a “hot” topic, Kim being friends with him and what not. However, I know some of you dislike her, BUT I believe Kim did the right thing about not judging him and keeping it to herself because it was “not her place” to say so or judge. Great for you Kim! Again, it is in the past and what’s done is done so please get over it! Its a done deal….and also IF you don’t have anything nice to say about Josh AND/OR Kim keep it to yourself…play by the Golden Rule please.
Comment by Katie — January 6, 2010 @ 11:55 PM
AAAAAAAAAAAAMEN, Katie!!
Comment by Terry, Jr. — January 7, 2010 @ 4:38 AM
NO ONE – aside for Kimberley and Clay KNOW what happened between them which led to the end of their friendship, so no matter how much you don’t like Kimberley (or Clay for that matter), you should keep your mouth shut about it. She handled the question ok. My lover and I are always wondering “what happened?” But it’s none of our business to make assumptions. This is probably just another example as to why FRIENDS should never LIVE together, but again. There is NO reason to speculate. It’s over. PERIOD!
Comment by DJ Jayito — January 7, 2010 @ 11:19 PM
Hi, Josh: wooooooW!!!!!! IT`S INCREDIBLE! thanx 4 this interview, for your uniq way to make the things, for make it like the most host in the world, really! It`s so good to watch to me, specialy in this week a bit blue for me, but i happy now cause i watch your work for American Idols and ì know how important is it for you, so what, it`s sooooooo important for me, to. I love to see you happy, growing in every interview, more secure. I know that i`ve front the most genious there.
I wanna say to all world that Josh Skinner is the uniq person that i meet that is so democratic
respect to the differents opinions, really, has the power to understant others persons with respect, and it`s the truth.I know, now you`re thinking it`s write for himself(je!), but not. He`s a great artist but the most wonderful in him is his capacity to listen to other persons, no matter the diferences.
Hey Josh: i´m so proud of you, really!
Comment by Dheniss — January 8, 2010 @ 12:38 AM
It`s a perfect interview.
Comment by Jenny — January 8, 2010 @ 12:48 AM
Hello, Josh:
thanx for thin new interview. You`re great there!
Comment by Kary — January 8, 2010 @ 12:55 AM
I love this interview with Kim. I adorate her songs!
Comment by Moa — January 8, 2010 @ 1:46 AM
Josh:
I love you sooooo much, you`re my only one, i love you, sexy man!
Your Joshita from Argentina.
Comment by MANDY — January 8, 2010 @ 2:56 AM
Hola!!! hi, Josh
I´m there watching it now. Very cool. She`s pretty and fun. ´hope that you`re so good!
Comment by Carter — January 8, 2010 @ 4:15 AM
Hello, Josh!!!
It`s 1 beauty show of your talent, baby!
I love you!
Comment by Tin@ — January 8, 2010 @ 5:27 AM
i wanna say something respect some comments(it the moderator can publish or not, i`ve respect for it, so what, the moderator can make with this comment that he/she wants, really!). “Joshitas”(the fans club in Argentina of Josh Skinner) give our suport to him. We know taht he talks with the truth ever, and we know how who works with him, so what, when he talks, he say the things with respect, e, with knowledge. we understand the differents opinion about Josh`s work, but i suppose(in personal) that this mesages are a show of something more. Please, cheeck it. Respect this guys, well thanx to comment, but think that nobody is perfect, and nobody can find the correct expression to give confort to all expectatives. Josh makes his work with talent, love the peoples into the interview and respect for peoples who`s watching it.
Hey, Josh, You know that “Joshitas” are with you ever. WE LOVE YOUR WORK.
Love you soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much, and sorry for this direct message.
Tin@ -with “@” and the e-mail that moderator know -and Joshitas/Argentina.
Comment by Tin@ — January 9, 2010 @ 5:12 PM
Josh brought up Clay too bad there won’t be a whole cd! Love her music and still in aw that she does not have the career of Kelly all the songs on Based on a true story are great!!! A big fan in Florida!
Comment by mark — January 12, 2010 @ 5:48 PM
I like her music, and it’s great to know she worked with you !
Comment by kary — February 12, 2010 @ 5:46 AM
What a great job Josh! Kim is a jewel, whom I’ve known for years. She has so much talent that has yet to seen! The only tool I would leave at the check-out stand is Jen for being so mean spirited.
Comment by O — March 3, 2010 @ 10:26 AM
Those Claymates are mean! I’m sure Clay Aiken is very proud of his fans…poor guy
Comment by Richard — March 3, 2010 @ 10:50 AM
Even though Kim seems to have lost more than one friend. I don’t think that Clay would appreciate people bashing Kim even if they aren’t friends anymore. I think that sometimes people get hurt feelings and offended too easily and blame the other person. That doesn’t make anyone more wrong or right. Good luck Kim!
Comment by T.G. — April 2, 2010 @ 10:21 AM
great post as usual!
Comment by MarkSpizer — May 2, 2010 @ 4:22 AM
I loved the interview, I have always been a huge fan of Kimberely Locke. As of the whole Clay and Kimberely thing who really cares Kim should have won in the first place and this is the year of 20KIM, she is going to blow everyone away with how big she becomes this year. ;-)
Comment by Danny — June 15, 2010 @ 8:02 PM