Fans flock to Nashville to support the Hackers

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- It was quite a switch from playing the often noisy clubs and restaurants of the Shoals.

And both Zac and Angela Hacker are enjoying it.

The noise was still there and was actually encouraged by the staff directing the audience at Thursday's episode of the "Nashville Star" show.

Zac and Angela Hacker, mainstays in the Shoals music scene, were on stage, smiling along with the two other contestants, David St. Romain and Joshua Stevens.

In the audience, fans waved signs emblazoned with "Zac U Rock" or "We love our Hackers." Many were outside waiting for tickets at least two hours before the show started.

St. Romain and Stevens were not without their fans, as evidenced by the "DSR" signs held aloft by fans of St. Romain.

Fans cheered after their favorite contestant performed and sometimes booed when one of the judges, Anastasia Brown, Randy

Owen or Blake Shelton, offered a not-so-flattering remark about a contestant.

The excitement level was high as fans shouted out to their favorite contestant, hoping to get a glance from the stage.

Zac Hacker would often look out into the crowd and acknowledge a shout from a fan or friend by pointing or waving, always with a smile.

"I'm incredibly grateful," Angela Hacker said after the show.

Seconds later, she was busy signing autographs for a line of small boys who waited patiently for her to finish an interview.

Then it was on to more visiting, hand shaking and waiting -- waiting to see if one of them will be the next Nashville star.

That news won't come until Thursday when the winner is announced at the end of the show, which will be aired on the USA Network, Comcast channel 41 at 9 p.m.

Angela Hacker received the most votes based on her Feb. 15 performance, followed by her brother, Zac.

St. Romain, of Baton Rouge, La., received the third most votes, leaving him in the running for the title.

Stevens was released from the show Thursday but told fans they would still be able to see him perform as part of the "Nashville Star" tour that will include the final four contestants.

The winner will receive a recording contract from Warner Bros. Records, a new Chevrolet Silverado pickup and a chance to perform at the Grand Ole Opry.

A gracious Zac Hacker said Thursday that he thinks his sister should win and hopes she does.

He and Angela are both aware that St. Romain is also a contender.

FAME Studios founder Rick Hall, who employs Angela Hacker as a songwriter, called the Hackers "survivors" for the time they spent playing music throughout the Shoals.

He said those days have prepared them for what can be a very tough business.

"They're great singers and great songwriters," Hall said.

Their father, Hartty Hacker, was on stage after the show wearing his trademark black fringe jacket.

He said he's worn the jacket, which he had specially made years ago, to every show.

"It seems like it always brought me luck with certain things," Hacker said. "I wore it for these kids."

Hacker said he was considering passing the jacket down to his son.

Fans have even targeted the elder Hacker and his jacket. He said young women have tried to pull fringes off his jacket for souvenirs.

The finale show will feature a reunion of all 10 contestants who will join Owen for a song and a performance by host, Jewel.

Russ Corey can be reached at 740-5738 or russ.corey@timesdaily.com.