Kimberly has kept the weight off and looks great.

'American Idol' stars sing holiday classics

On Sunday, Dec. 7, children from the Eichelberger Performing Arts Center's Academy will sing in the holidays with a little help from some big "Idols."

The concert is part of the "American Stars in Concert" tour, a nationwide music tour featuring former contestants from the reality television show "American Idol." On the tour are Chikezie Eze, David Hernandez, Diana DeGarmo and Kimberley Locke.

"It will be a pretty big show for this area," said the Eichelberger Academy's drama director Adam David Jones. "It is not often that we get as big of names as the four idols that are coming. These are well-known former contestants with big record deals now. It is a special opportunity for the kids and for those who buy tickets."

Eze and Hernandez were among the top 12 contestants on the seventh season of the show, which ended in March.

DeGarmo appeared on the show's third season and became runner-up to Fantasia Barrino in 2004.

Locke appeared in season two of the show in 2002 and took third place, while Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken took first and second place, respectively.

All four stars will perform holiday classics alongside the Eichelberger's Academy students.

The Academy is a series of arts classes offered to students from 4 to 18 years old. The Academy offers a wide range of introductory, intermediate and advanced performance classes that cover acting, dancing and singing.

One of the slogans of the Academy is "Act big, dance big and sing big." For this weekend's performances, Jones sees a great opportunity for students to fulfill this idea.

"It's all about the kids," Jones said. "I think it's a concert mostly for the kids' enjoyment where they can perform in front of a big crowd and also learn a lot from the 'Idols.'"

The Idols and students will perform two shows Sunday, at 3 and 7 p.m.

Tickets for the event are available for $25 per person, discounted half of the original ticket price, $50.

The Eichelberger decided to lower the price last week in part because of the economy, the Eichelberger's executive director, Deb Levy, said.

"We just wanted to give Hanover an opportunity to see the show," Levy said.

She hopes that more people will be able to attend with the drop in price. Anyone who purchased tickets at $50 has been contacted and has been given the opportunity to receive extra tickets or a refund, Levy said.

Tickets may be purchased by calling the Eichelberger's box office at 637-7086 or by visiting http://www.TheEich.org.

Jones hopes area residents enjoy the big-name performers.

"We are hoping a lot of people show up," Jones said. "There are not a lot of opportunities to see this caliber of performers in the area, and we hope people enjoy what the idols have to bring to Hanover."

IF YOU GO:

What: "American Stars in Concert for the Holidays," feat. Chikezie Eze, David Hernandez, Diana DeGarmo and Kimberley Locke

When: 3 and 7 p.m. Sunday

Where: Eichelberger Performing Arts Center, 195 Stock St., Hanover

Cost: $25 per person

For details: Visit http://www.TheEich.org or call 632-9356

For more local entertainment news, visit http://www.eveningsun.com/entertainment.