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Locke first found fame as a singer when she was a finalist in the second season of “American Idol.” She has been called the “Queen of Christmas” by Billboard Magazine, and is the only artist to have a No. 1 Christmas song three years in a row.
“Christmas is one of those things where people are almost transported back to childhood. Everybody has a great Christmas story,” Locke said. When recording Christmas songs in the studio, she will often feel a wave of nostalgia. “It opens up the floodgates and I’m filled with so many memories of happy holidays.”
Locke has not yet played the Palace Danbury, but has visited and heard stories of its history. She has kept busy lately playing larger dance and club events and is looking forward for the chance to connect with an audience.
“This is going to be a much more intimate experience,” she said of her hometown Danbury show, which will feature holiday classics, as well as selections from the Great American Songbook, including Etta James, Nina Simone, Donna Summer, Judy Garland and more. “It’s much more back-to-basics for me. I’ll be singing the songs that I love, telling great stories, and hopefully people will leave having learned something about me that they didn’t know before.”
In addition to performing and working on new songs in the studio, Locke has also been working with a small group of students at A Common Ground Community Arts Center in Danbury. In addition to vocal coaching, she also walks students through the audition process and helps them know whether they’re ready to start performing.
“Students and parents have so many questions about what to expect. This is sort of an all-encompassing class,” Locke said. “There’s nothing like having an insider give you advice and pointers.”
Beyond her singing career, Locke also appeared on “Celebrity Fit Club” where she lost 40 pounds. She has worked to inspire people to lose weight, including hosting a cooking show called “Cooking With Kimberley” and holding private weight loss consultations. She said that the holidays can be a tough time for people hoping to lose weight, and it’s important that people allow themselves to take part in holiday eating.
“One day is not going to make or break a diet,” Locke said. Those trying to lose weight can enjoy their holiday meals, then get back into their diets the next day. “Nobody wants to be deprived, especially around the holidays. Enjoy your dressing, have gravy, enjoy yourself. It’s all about building healthy relationships with food and a healthy lifestyle.”
Locke’s “Home for the Holidays” concert will be held Saturday, Dec. 13, at 8 p.m. at the Palace Danbury, 164 Main St. Click here for tickets ($30 to $35) and more information or call 203-794-9944.
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