Pulling for the Hackers

If you passed them in the mall, you likely wouldn't notice them. They seem no different than you or me.

But if you put microphones in their hands and throw in a little music, there's magic in the air.

That's what the brother-sister tandem of Zac and Angela Hacker provides when they showcase their God-given talent to sing.

Now, I'm certainly not an expert on musical talent. Heck, my singing voice could sink a fleet of boats. But I do know a good voice when I hear one, and Angela and Zac have it going on.

Who even knew them six weeks ago?

Some locals did, of course. I attended a party where they were the entertainment for the evening, but that was a few years ago. The Hackers have played at different spots in the Shoals through the years, but it's nothing compared to the gig they have now.

Unless you've been living under a rock in recent weeks, you know that the Hackers have become quite popular through their performances on "Nashville Star." The show, which airs each Thursday on the USA Network, searches for the next country music star. It's country music's answer to "American Idol."

Zac and Angela are among the three finalists for the prize. It's almost a lock for one of them to walk off the winner this week.

The winner has actually already been determined. The country votes for the winner and the balloting concluded about three hours after Thursday's show.

To have one of our own selected as the winner would be great news for the music industry in the Shoals and a source of enormous pride for all of us who live here. The tradition we have in the music industry is truly unmatched. Having two of our own doing so well on the nationally televised Nashville Star program has placed the spotlight on our musical heritage again.

My guess is that Angela and Zac will both add to that tradition. They have the gift.

That recognition for our area is positive, but there's a more important element to this story.

These are two good, solid young people who have overcome a few obstacles along the way.

They come from a very humble background. They've had very little given to them. Their success is a product of hard work and being unafraid to showcase that gift.

Having chatted with them briefly recently, it appears they remain very composed and humble, with both feet on the ground despite their recent fame.

You can't help but to pull for them now and in the future.

Mike Goens is the TimesDaily managing editor. He can be reached at 740-5740 or mike.goens@timesdaily.com.