Locke grew up admiring such singers as Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, Patti LaBelle, and Diana Ross.

She and childhood friends Chandra Boone, Selina Robb, and Nacole Rice formed a quartet as teens named Shadz of U, which performed at many local churches.

The group later appeared on Locke's 2007 Based on a True Story album, singing backup on Everyday Angels.

On October 30, 2002, the reality TV singing competition American Idol held auditions in Nashville, Tennessee for the show's second season.

The album's original lead single, "Supawoman," co-written with her producers Damon Sharpe and Mark J. Feist, was released to radio on August 7, 2006.

The album's next single was a cover of Freda Payne's "Band of Gold," which was released to radio on August 13, 2007, and became Locke's sixth solo A/C Top 10 hit.

[6] as part of the "singles only" agreement about which Locke stated, "We live in a world where people go to iTunes and download the songs they want.

Throughout the summer of 2005, a proposed reality TV series, Aren't You That Girl?, taped Locke's progress on her second album and preparations for her upcoming wedding.

[22] During MTV's early fall 2006 lineup, Locke was a judge and co-host on the short-lived reality-show competition "Little Talent Show".

She has been the focused target of derision from fellow cast member Dustin Diamond, who has repeatedly insulted Locke.

[23] On June 17, 2007, the season finale of Celebrity Fit Club aired, drawing in 2.7 million viewers, the show's highest yet.

[2] In 2020, Locke began co-hosting TV infomercials for kitchen appliances marketed by chef Emeril Lagasse.

[18][28] The following year, she announced her own one-woman show called The Sum of All Parts which, as summarized by BroadwayWorld.com, "traces the intimate journey down her very own yellow brick road, from growing up bi-racial, to being involved with "American Idol," to finding herself in the music that flowed throughout her life".

[18] Backed by a 13-piece orchestra, she presented an evening of intimate storytelling of meeting some of her own idols and pays tribute to Etta James, Judy Garland and others.

Of taking on the role, Locke stated "Donna Summer's inspirational story and pioneering talent led the way for so many of today's brightest vocalists.

She has left an immeasurable impact on music and culture, and I am excited to bring her story to guests around the world aboard the beautiful Norwegian Prima.

[32] While filming for Celebrity Fit Club, Locke chose to follow the Jenny Craig diet plan and had great success.

Locke announced through her official MySpace blog on October 8, 2007, that she had finally achieved her 40-pound weight loss goal.

[34] Ellen DeGeneres was impressed by the feature and asked Locke to be a special guest on her daytime talk show.

[35] In 1999, Locke enrolled at Belmont University and graduated in August 2001 with a bachelor's degree of Business Administration in Management.

In recognition of her extensive charitable efforts as an HIV/AIDS activist, Locke was presented with the Red Ribbon award on November 9, 2007.

"[38] She appeared on a Celebrity episode of Don't Forget The Lyrics to raise money for Camp Heartland, walking away with $100,000 for her charity.

[37] In October 2007, Locke teamed up with General Mills to introduce the Pink for a Cure campaign to promote awareness of breast cancer in the African-American community.