Click here to hear Kimberly's music. The player will open in a new window. Email: (More info) Since March 2003 Best Viewed @ 1024x768 resolution Designed by Kristin Photos from Michael Antonio online Bookmark Site	Former "American Idol" finalist and Katy resident Kimberly Caldwell, was back home for a few days and visiting local JCPenney stores promoting new "American Idol" fragrances for men and women over the Super Bowl weekend. Caldwell, 21, has lived in Los Angeles since her appearance on the second season of "Idol," but grew up in Katy with her mom, Carla, and sister, Kristy. Caldwell said she began performing at the age of five when she started doing beauty and talent pageants and eventually made her way to appearances on various talent shows and performing for "Star Search," and the "Grand Ole Opry," despite no formal vocal training. She also recalled fondly all of her performances at the Rosenberg Opry. Except for two weeks spent at home for the holidays, Caldwell has been on the road non-stop since "American Idol" called her back for the wild-card show. "It's been very tough being away from home," she said, "but ever since I was chosen for the wild-card show, I've been living in L.A. and it's been a crazy year." Caldwell was chosen as a wild-card entry to make it to the top-12 finalists, appeared throughout the run of "Idol" shows. She recorded "American Idol" CDs and toured the country last summer with the other "Idol" finalists performing dozens of concerts. Since the concert tour ended, Caldwell has been busy as a television correspondent for the "TV Guide Channel," "Inside Edition," and "Xtra," to name a few. The fragrance line is the second spokeswoman job she's landed, as she was tapped to promote the "American Idol" video game. She began the fragrance tour last weekend in Miami, and she's headed to L.A., New York, Dallas and Las Vegas. Carla Caldwell doesn't travel everywhere with Kimberly, but she does help out with her scheduling. "She's so funny," Carla said of Kim's experiences in new cities. "Everywhere she goes is her new favorite city. 'San Francisco is my favorite city,' 'Miami is my new favorite city,'" Carla said laughing. Despite her other work, she's most excited about her ongoing singing career. "I'm working with Diane Warren and Randy Jackson on an album and I have been so blessed to work with such great people," Caldwell said. "The exposure and publicity I gained from being a contestant has really changed my life," Caldwell said. "Performing on live television, gaining professional studio experience, working with the judges and celebrity guests, it's a fantastic experience that I'll never forget." As for her career path, she said this is the only place for her. "This is so much fun for me," she said, "I can't do anything else and there is no way I could do a 9-to-5 job." Caldwell said she always dreamed of performing for audiences, but when she made it onto "American Idol," she said it's been more than she ever imagined. "All of this is more than I could ever have dreamed," she said. "Everywhere I've gone, the people have been so nice to me and so appreciative, I'm incredibly happy knowing I've been able to touch millions of people." Although she'll have many great moments to come, one of her favorites so far, was performing for George and Barbara Bush's 50th Wedding Anniversary at "The Grand Ole Opry." [back]