Texas Cowboy Vies For "Next GAC Star"

Lane Turner is a finalist in the 2008 Next GAC Star competition. Visit the Next GAC Star page for more information about the competition and show times.

Sept. 4, 2008 — Three months into a potentially rewarding competition, Lane Turner is aiming to be the winner on The Next GAC Star. One of six finalists who showed their stuff on Wednesday’s semi-final telecast, Lane figures his West Texas heritage gives him a unique position among the remaining contestants.

"I, by far, am probably the most country," he told the national radio show GAC Nights: Live From Nashville, comparing himself to the other contestants. "I’m very real. I’m very comfortable with myself. I know who I am. I’ve been doing this for a while. I feel very good in my own skin. I think that comes across, and I think ultimately in this competition, I think that’s what people want to see. They want to see somebody they can connect [with]. What you see is what you get."

Lane was influenced by a number of stars who grew up in the same region he calls home, including Waylon Jennings, Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison. If he comes out on top, Lane will win a recording contract with Original Signal Records, but he’ll have to outlast five other acts: J.C. Andersen, Tyler Barham, Megan Conner, Angela Engelman and One Night Rodeo.

The show also nets him a chance to be seen by three well-regarded judges: Jack Ingram is one of country’s top current hitmakers; Victoria Shaw has co-written hits for Garth Brooks and John Michael Montgomery, and she co-produces Lady Antebellum; and Desmond Child has songwriting credits on tracks by LeAnn Rimes, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi and Trisha Yearwood.

The winner of The Next GAC Star will be announced during the final telecast on Wednesday, September 10 at 9 p.m. ET. Click here to find out more about Lane and the other finalists!