Congratulations to all of the Next GAC Star Finalists! Now that the finalists have been chosen, we thought you'd like to know a little bit about them.

Meet Lane Turner:

Lane grew up "way out west" in Levelland, Texas, a place he says is so flat you can watch your dog run away for two days. He credits the locale for its musical influence, allowing him to hear Buddy Holly, Waylon Jennings and Roy Orbision. He received his first guitar from his parents at age 11 and he learned to play the songs he heard on the radio. Nashville is now his home and he tries his best to make his favorite teachers — Hank Williams, Merle Haggard, and Willie Nelson — proud.

Name: Michael Lane Turner

Hometown/Home State: Levelland, TX

Born: February 3, 1967

Occupation: Musician/Electrician

Single or Married: Married (wife--Paula)

Children: Yes--a son, Sam

Musical style: Honest, heartfelt, country, classic, cool

Musical instruments: Guitar

Favorite artists: George Strait, Dwight Yoakam, Lyle Lovett, Conway Twitty, Merle Haggard, Ray Price

Favorite songs to perform: "I May Never Get To Heaven," "The Honky Tonk Downstairs," "Only Daddy That'll Walk The Line"

Favorite songs to listen to: "Easy Loving," "Misery And Gin," "Amarillo By Morning"

First public performance: At church (not mine, but my girlfriend's) when I was 18. My first paying gig was at a Christmas party for the Air Force Base when I was 20-21.

I first knew I wanted to be a singer? Since I was young, probably around 10, but boy was I shy. It took me awhile to get over that.

Dream singing partner: Pam Tillis

Wants to improve: I'd like to be a better guitar player and play more instruments.

Greatest strength: I know who I am and what I do well.

Competitive edge: I've been playing sports my whole life and I am very competitive. Believe me, I want to win this more than anybody, but ultimately it just comes down to being yourself, being true to your artistry and standing strong behind it.

Ultimate goal: I have a lot of markers that I'd like to achieve, such as becoming an Opry member, but really my ultimate goal is to have a long, successful career in this business. I'd love to still be playing shows when I'm into my 90s.

Inspired by: The beauty and sadness of everyday life.

What one thing about you would surprise GAC viewers? I was an All-American decathlete at Texas Tech.

What do you do for fun? What downtime? If I have any spare time from remodeling our house, I love to go camping/hiking.

What makes you laugh? Just about everything because I'm such an easy laugh, but lately it's been my son. He cracks me up!

Greatest triumph of your life: I've been truly blessed to have been able to do so many cool things so far in my life. I know there are more peaks to come — and I know this may sound corny — but being married to my amazing wife and raising our beautiful boy is just about the best thing I've ever experienced. Every day is an amazing journey and I love it. I'm not trying to be sappy, just honest. No matter what happens in my life professionally, I know that I've won already.

What makes you cry? Turning on the TV and hearing about a child being hurt.

What's the greatest personal hurdle you've overcome in life? Self confidence and procrastination.

Favorite TV show: Seinfeld

Favorite movie: Shawshank Redemption

Favorite book: Lonesome Dove

Favorite author: James Patterson

Favorite actor: Morgan Freeman

Favorite actress: Diane Lane

Favorite music website: GACTV.com

Favorite music magazine: Country Weekly

Favorite hobby: Camping

Favorite food: Mexican (enchiladas)

Country music crush: Crystal Gayle

Person with whom you'd most like to have a meaningful conversation: The next President of the United States.

What would you discuss with that person? In the past I wouldn't have chosen the President as the answer to the above question, but becoming a father has changed my interests. It feels like a very pivotal time in our country and I would like to have a candid and extremely honest conversation about what can be done about real issues that concern Americans. Actually the things I'd want to ask would be too numerous to list!

Last book you read: The Road by Cormac McCarthy

Dream vacation: Alaska

Key to happiness: Being honest and true to yourself — and keeping my wife happy. That really makes me happy!

Biggest misconception about you: Pretty much what you see is what you get, but I do surprise people sometimes when I rip into some Stevie Ray Vaughn or Robert Palmer.

Most embarrassing moment: I was singing for a friend's wedding, standing front and center before a full church with my fly as wide open as the Grand Canyon. There's probably a lot more moments, but I've blocked them out.

What do you value most in your friends? Carpentry skills?but more importantly, honesty and loyalty.

Why do you want to win the title, "The Next GAC Star"? From the moment I heard of the contest I thought, 'What a great, inventive way to find and break an artist.' It would be a tremendous honor and opportunity to reach millions of country music fans through GAC. I couldn't think of any cooler way to be introduced into the world.