Angela wins ‘Star’

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -In the end, it came down the way many people hoped it would, brother versus sister.

That’s exactly what happened early in the final episode of “Nashville Star” when David St. Romain, of Baton Rouge, La., was told he received the least votes of the final three contestants.

It would be another half hour before Zac and Angela Hacker stood side by side on stage, waiting to see who would be the next Nashville star.

In the end, the nod went to the performer who consistently received the most votes, Angela Hacker.

“I refused to believe I was going to be the one,” Hacker said after the ensuing hoopla. “I was really overwhelmed when she called out my name. I’m excited this has happened. I think it’s going to sink in some time.”

Hacker said she was very grateful to all the people in the Shoals who attended viewing and voting parties at local restaurants and clubs.

“I just want to say thank you,” She said. “I can’t say thank you enough.”

Angela Hacker said she will be ready to do whatever is necessary to fulfill the recording deal she receives for winning the contest.

“It can’t be any worse than any of the day jobs I’ve had,” she said.

The Hackers were originally part of the 20,000 hopefuls who auditioned for the chance to become the next big country star.

As the 2007 “Nashville Star” winner, Angela Hacker will receive a contract with Warner Bros. Records, a new Chevrolet Silverado pickup and a chance to perform on the Grand Ole Opry stage.

Their mother, Susan Hacker, watched as her son signed autograph after autograph. He did not appear disappointed with the outcome.

Susan Hacker said she was hoping it would come down to her son and daughter.

“Neither one of them lost,” she said. “If anything, they’re both winners.”

Rick Hall, founder of FAME Recording Studios, was there to watch his songwriter become country music’s newest star.

“I think it says Muscle Shoals music is alive and well, and America loves what we’re doing,” Hall said.

Zac Hacker is signed to Rodney Hall’s company, House of FAME Publishing, in Muscle Shoals, while Angela Hacker is signed to his father’s company, Rick Hall Music.

There were several people in Thursday’s crowd from the Shoals. Ginger Craft, of Florence, came armed with a large sign that read “The City of Florence Loves the Hackers.” Another group held a sign that read “We’re the Hacker Backers.”

Before the show, Zac Hacker said it would be nice to get home and be able to relax and maybe find somewhere to play.

Backstage, the Hackers were animated and talkative and excited about the evening ahead, despite the fact that the voting is over and the night’s performances really didn’t matter.

St. Romain said Thursday’s performances were important because they will leave a lasting impression on the viewers.

The scene backstage was chaotic as the contestants mingled with family and friends, some they would see again and others they would not. The final show featured a reunion of the 10 original “Nashville Star” contestants. They joined Randy Owen, one of the shows three judges and founder of the award winning country group Alabama, for a performance of “Dixieland Delight.”

While the Hackers will get some time to come home and wind down and catch up with friends and family, they will be back on the road soon enough.

The four finalists will be going on tour from June to September.

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