Hacker siblings to learn fate on 'Nashville Star'

FLORENCE -- Donny Fritts said he was surprised the first time he tuned in to the "Nashville Star" reality series.

There was 23-year-old Zac Hacker performing "Memphis Women and Chicken," a song Fritts co-wrote with Gary Nicholson and Dan Penn.

"I had heard someone say he was thinking about doing the song," Fritts said. "He did it really great."

Hacker and his sister, Angela, are two of the three finalists on the popular reality show that is seeking the next big country music star.

The winner will be revealed on tonight's show based on the voting that followed last week's show. The show is broadcast at 9 p.m. on the USA Network, which is Comcast Channel 41.

At the end of last week's show, Angela Hacker had the most votes, followed by her brother Zac. The third place contestant is David St. Romain, of Baton Rouge, La.

Angela Hacker finished strong with her rendition of the Deana Carter song "Strawberry Wine" while her brother did likewise with the Lionel Richie track "Lady," which was a hit for Kenny Rogers in 1980.

Fritts said he has missed a couple of episodes but has been following the show. He had high praise for the Hackers.

"The fact is, they're the best ones on the show," he said. "The others don't come close."

Fritts, who spent years playing piano in Kris Kristofferson's band, said the Hackers have what it takes to make it in the music-business.

"They know what they've got to do," Fritts said. "These kids today are smart."

Fritts said it helped that the Hackers grew up around music. Their father and uncles were part of The Hacker Brothers band.

"They have the background in music," Fritts said. "They were born into it. They have a lot going for them, besides the fact they have that natural-born talent."

What also helped them was the time they spent playing in clubs around the Shoals.

Sound engineer Jimmy Nutt, owner of The NuttHouse recording studio in Sheffield, agrees with Fritts that the Hackers-have a future as professional-performers.

"They've probably already got offers," Nutt said. "If they got-booted off last week, they would have offers."

The ultimate winner will receive a recording contract with Warner Bros. Records in Nashville, Tenn., a new Chevrolet Silverado pickup and a chance to perform on country music's most hallowed stage, the Grand Ole Opry.

"Hopefully, they won't forget about us little people," Nutt said in jest.

Christian Turner, a Nashville singer/songwriter turned Shoals resident, said Angela Hacker has the "it" factor when she performs.

"She commands attention when she's on stage," Turner said. "Not to say Zac isn't capable or talented, because he is capable and talented."

Turner and his father, Steve, are renovating an old Sheffield fire station into a recording studio/performance venue.

He said the Hackers are receiving a great deal of exposure just by appearing on the show.

While first place gets the big prize, Turner said the other "Nashville Star" contestants will benefit.

Turner said he hopes the Hackers can retain some creative artistic control in their musical futures.

"If they're happy and content with it, that's wonderful," Turner said.

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