An RAF Lakenheath officer recently sang herself onto the 2007 Tops in Blue tour after showing her ability in the tour’s Worldwide Talent Contest in November.

Second Lt. Kimberly Robinson, a section commander for the 48th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, was one of 10 female vocalists selected to this year’s ensemble. The 23-year-old from Del Rio, Texas, who began singing in sixth grade, said that she looks forward to her one-year tenure.

The Tops in Blue tour is made up of 35 active-duty Air Force servicemembers who perform around the world, with priority to remote and deployed locations. Each year, thousands try out to be part of the talented group of vocalists, musicians and dancers, according to its Web site, www.topsinblue.com.

How do you feel about your recent selection to Tops in Blue?

I’m absolutely overjoyed. It’s a dream come true. I still can’t believe it.

What’s your favorite music genre to sing?

I like to sing ballads and country-type music, but, more accurately, I prefer to sing music with a blues/folk feeling. Really I’ll find myself singing anything that has a catchy melody and sometimes that’s pop and other times it’s rap, country, rock or R&B.

Isn’t it a requirement in Texas to like country music?

No. [Laughing].

Who inspires you? Toby Keith?

No, no, no. I have pretty eclectic music tastes so inspirational singers to me include Lauryn Hill, Tori Amos, David Gray, Norah Jones, Idina Menzel, Bonnie Raitt and John Mayer

Do you catch yourself singing in the shower?

Absolutely. Anything I hear on the radio, from British pop tunes to praise and worship songs from church.

What’s your future plans? Trying to land a spot on a girl band, like Sugababes or the Pussycat Dolls?

Oh, no. I plan to continue my career as an officer. This may be my last opportunity to perform. I have no ambitions to become a superstar.

What about after the Air Force?

I’ll always sing. Music will always be a part of life.