Ten years after becoming one of America’s most popular ‘Idols,’ Kimberley Locke is still going strong. With her new single and music video for “Finally Free,” the “Eighth World Wonder” singer will be taking the stage at Score Nightclub in Miami Beach on Friday, October 5 and at Tracks Nightclub in Denver on Friday October 26th. In addition to her success as a singer and songwriter, Kimberley has started her own record label, launched a new cooking show titled “Cooking with Kimberley,” and is currently training for the New York City Marathon in November. Mark’s List recently spoke with Kimberley about her upcoming performance at Score Nightclub, how her life has changed since “American Idol,” her new label I AM Entertainment, and how she’s stayed fit and healthy while maintaining the demanding lifestyle of on entertainer.

Kimberly caught up with us before her perforrmance at Score.

You will be performing at Score Nightclub in Miami on Friday, October 5, do you already know which songs you are going to sing, or is that going to be a surprise?

It’s great to be in South Florida—it’s beautiful down here. I’m really looking forward to having a great night at Score. I will definitely be singing my new single “Finally Free,” but I usually make my decision about the rest of the songs depending on how I’m feeling that night.

It’s been 10 years since you were on “American Idol,” what’s changed in your life since that experience?

It’s been a great journey and things have definitely changed from 10 years ago. Back then I had just graduated college and I was heading to law school, and then I decided to try out for “American Idol.” My life completely turned around and I had a new career in the industry that I didn’t have before. I’ve just been building my brand and building my business—the possibilities are endless.

You had talked earlier in the year about your interest in being considered for one of the judging positions on the new season of “American Idol.” Are you disappointed it didn’t work out?

I wasn’t really trying to get a position on the show. It just so happened they were trying to fill one of the judging seats and someone asked me in an interview what I thought about the new judging panel. I thought it would be a good idea to put a former contestant from “American Idol” on the panel, whether it was me or someone else. I still believe they will eventually do that—it will definitely add a different twist to the panel. The former contestants have been there before and know what’s it’s like to be up there on that stage.

Over the last few years we’ve seen the addition of “X-Factor” and “The Voice,” do you follow any of the reality singing shows?

I do not. I travel on the road so much, and I barely have the time to do the things I need to do. Most of what we do as performers happens at night, so I miss most of the television shows; but it’s not really hard to keep up with what’s happening. Everyone is always talking about these shows—they are still very popular.

A Toys Story 3

Equilibrium and The Manor in WilMa presented the third annual A Toys Story, A Night for Giving fundraiser for Broward House, Kids in Distress, Sunserve, PYP Foundation and other local charities. The evening included performances by Delfrida and Kimberly Locke.

View A Toys Story 3 Photos

Are you surprised that these kinds of shows are still so popular 10 years after your “American Idol” days?

I’m not surprised at all. People love to be a part of other people’s success. It’s one of the best qualities about shows like this. The world can get involved and help artists accomplish their dreams. I think shows like this will be around for a lot longer.

You recently started your own entertainment company I AM Entertainment. What’s the process been like starting your own company?

It’s been exciting, stressful, gratifying—all of the above. It’s truly an amazing accomplishment for me. I’ve learned a lot about the industry over the last 10 years, and I’ve met a lot of interesting people along the way. It’s been a very eye-opening process, and I have some great people on my team.

In addition to creating your own music within your label, are you also signing new artists?

Right now we are not signing new artists. We have started consulting with other artists on their projects. There are so many independent artists out there who have some really great music and have a fan base. I really want to cater to the independent artists and work with them on their vision and their goals. The artists can be empowered that way and take a front seat in their career.

Looking forward to the rest of the year and next year, do you have plans for a new single of full-length album?

We do have a new single that will be coming out in the United Kingdom, but you’ll have to stay tuned about details on that [laughs]. One of my big projects is “Cooking with Kimberley” that should be launching before the end of the month. I’m very excited about that.

Did your involvement in “Celebrity Fit Club” and successfully keeping off the weight you lost inspire you to pursue healthy cooking as another career objective?

Yes, absolutely. People always ask me “how I did it” and how I kept the weight off being on the road so much. I just want to share some of the secrets I’ve learned along the way. It’s nothing complicated or fancy—I’m just a girl who goes to the cupboard and picks out things that I can make healthier. People want to see that and people want to know that. I just want people to come into the kitchen with me and have some fun. The goal is to have at least one new show per month and possibly two or three a month in the future.

Is “Cooking with Kimberley” a show that you want to keep online, or do you have plans to take it to a network?

I’m perfectly happy and content with the show living online. People are watching shows more and more online and not just on television. Many of my fans follow me online and get instant updates about me on Facebook, Twitter and on my website. I want to watch the show grow online, but at the same time I wouldn’t be opposed to the show being on a network.

In addition to keeping up with a healthier diet, you are also participating in the New York City Marathon in November. How’s the training been going?

Yes, I am going to be running the New York City Marathon on November 4th. I’m actually running with team Malaria No More and we’re raising the money. I’ve always wanted to run a marathon and check it off my bucket list. If people want to support me and support Malaria No More, they can go to my website (kimberleylockeofficial.com) and donate to my run. The training is going well, and I’m actually looking forward to getting in a good run while I’m here in Miami.