Local siblings enjoy chance to perform on Nashville Star

By Staff
Melissa Dozier-Cason, FCT staff writer
Two former Franklin County siblings are fighting for their chance to sign a record contract as contestants on the USA Network reality show 'Nashville Star.'
Angela and Zac Hacker were born and raised in the northeastern tip of Franklin County, where the county meets with Lawrence and Colbert counties. Now, the pair finds themselves in the middle of a roller coaster ride to the big time.
"Our days are pretty hectic," Angela said. "Everyday there is something different to do from wardrobe fittings to rehearsing for the next performance."
The pair has already survived three rounds of eliminations and now depends on the fans and their following from the show.
"It's an honor just to be here," Zac said. "If you are here only one day, you were still here and that's an achievement."
Angela and Zac have both been singing and writing songs for years now. They are both songwriters for Fame Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals, and both perform wherever they could get bookings.
"I will play for anyone who pays me because I am a singer, and this is my job," Angela Hacker said.
Angela auditioned for 'Nashville Star' in Atlanta, but Zac auditioned in Nashville after waiting in line with a friend only to keep her company.
"A friend called me and asked if I could hang out with her in line…An hour and a half later it was my turn to audition and I thought 'why not?'" Zac said.
His friend did not make the show but he did.
"It's kind of weird the way all this happened but my friend is totally supportive," Zac said.
Thursday night's performances seemed to impress the judges, Randy Owen, Anastasia Brown, and Blake Shelton. But, Owen did warn Zac about choosing songs that are familiar to America.
"Once again, I need to caution you, America is watching, so choose songs they have heard before," Owen said.
So far, each contestant has been allowed to pick a song of their choice to perform for the audience but next week the judges will pick the songs for the contestants.
Whether both the Hackers will get to perform next week is up to America's votes.
"I am so proud to be a part of this show, and I had rather be on Nashville Star than any other reality show," Angela said.
Both Hackers credit their very musical family for their love of music.
Both their mother and father have musical talents, and sitting around playing the guitar and singing different songs were commonplace in the Hacker home.
The siblings said that singing and writing songs have always been apart of their lives, and there was no other choice for their careers.
"When you are born to in a family with four sisters who sing, and a mom and dad who sing, music is just who you are," Zac Hacker said.
While the Hackers attended Hatton High School in Lawrence County, Angela transferred to Russellville High School her junior year, and graduated from RHS.
Nashville Star can be seen on the USA network every Thursday night at 9 pm.