Thank You Kimberley

After the show last night, I sat down at the computer to compose my “farewell to Kimberley Locke.” I knew what I wanted to say but I kept getting stuck on the opening paragraph. Over and over I did the contemporary equivalent of wadding up the paper and throwing it away – select all, delete. Each time my writing was dry, predictable, and ordinary.

Totally uninspired, I decided to check out some of the message boards to see how Kimberley’s fans were reacting. All of the familiar “faces” were on the Bolt message board. They were disappointed, naturally, but not really surprised. Despite three solid performances on Tuesday and an outstanding effort by her fans, in the end, the K’Lo Crew was unable to offset the enormous fan bases that have developed around Clay and Ruben over the past three months.

Kim’s fans displayed the same grace in defeat as their idol. Post after post, they praised and encouraged her, believing that this is not the end of the road for Ms. Locke. Somehow, they know that she will be just fine. After weeks of national exposure, this young woman is certain to be successful. She has proven that she has the talent and the drive to make it no matter what she chooses to do.

Many of Kimberley’s fans indicated that with her elimination, the show really isn’t going to hold the same allure. Some went so far as to say that they wouldn’t be watching anymore. I believe them. All of this reminds me of a tournament sporting event – the NCAA basketball championship for example. We follow our chosen team through to their elimination but, once they are gone, we really don’t care who wins. We are no longer invested in the outcome. Trust me, as a longtime Syracuse University basketball fan, I know all about that! Even if they do watch the finals, some said, they probably will no longer vote – at least not with the same fervor.

Last night’s show didn’t feel the same as the past weeks’ elimination productions. By bringing back Tamyra and Justin, the producers seemed to be showing us that you don’t have to win it all to make it. Tamyra has had an especially good year. Freed from having to worry about being the American Idol, she has been able to pursue her own agenda. Now, she will have more of an ability to pick and choose her projects and have more control in shaping her future. Hard as it was to see her go, I was somewhat relieved that we wouldn’t have to see her in some kind of “Beach Blanket Bingo” cinematic disaster! Kim is better than that.

So we are down to Ruben and Clay and the competition is wide open. Either one of them can win this. Ryan told us there was less than 4% separating the three finalists and less than 2% separating Ruben and Clay! That is truly remarkable and if these trends continue, it will all come down to which group has the best technology! Their fan bases are equally committed and I predict that the vote will be even closer next week.

It won’t be the same without Kimberley, though. We all know that. She has become a role model for young women with dreams of any sort. We will miss her smile and amazing performances. Her fans can take some comfort in knowing that she will be back next week with the rest of the group for the finale. After the competition is over, rehearsals will begin for the tour and Kim will be able to further develop her performing skills throughout the summer. The future is bright for Kimberley Locke and I am certain that she will continue draw upon her spiritual resources for guidance. She will not let us down.

Kimberley, you have shown us that it is okay to be true to yourself and not compromise your values. Throughout the competition, you have displayed style, grace, and self-respect and have become an inspiration to more people than you know. Your fans are a reflection of your refinement and I applaud them as well. It has been a pleasure watching you all these weeks and we all look forward to whatever lies ahead.

The first article that I wrote for Foxes on Idol was The Case for Kimberly Locke. I had been blocked for a long time, frustrated in my inability to find the right venue for my writing. After having had some success last year, I found myself in a funk, unable to find any inspiration. I was writing but it didn’t mean anything. The morning after the Billy Joel show, an article began writing itself in my head. I sat down at the computer and the words just poured out. After a quick edit, I decided to submit it to this site and was elated to have it accepted for publication. Since then, every article that I have written has come to me the same way. I have been inspired to write again and believe that I have been guided by a power greater than myself. I realize that is also the force behind your success, Kim, and as long as you stay true to that source, you cannot fail. The emails that I have received in response to these articles have been an unexpected benefit. People have shared incredible experiences with me and I am so grateful to have had even a small part in all of this.

Miranda Lambert, who took third place in the Nashville Star competition summed it up by sayingm “Hey, third out of 8000 ain’t bad.” Kim, third out of 70,000 is outstanding. Congratulations and may you continue to receive the blessings that you deserve. Thank you.

Donna Reynolds is a freelance writer and technical writer from Syracuse, NY. You can e-mail her at dlrturtle@earthlink.net.

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