Advertisement

Richard and Robert Fay of Columbiaville are 17-year-old juniors at Lapeer West High School. The twin brothers just returned from auditioning for NBC-TV's show "Nashville Star." The winner of the show, that is similar to TV's "American Idol," will earn a recording contract and the chance to sing at this summer's Olympics in Bejing, China.

The twins went through three rounds of auditions, in which they sang acappella. "A lot of people asked us for autographs and photos," Richard said. "It was all really quick. The producers automatically knew who we were. Everybody at school knew and was like, 'Good luck.'"

Richard said the dream will be realized when he and his brother have their recording contract they've always hoped for. "It will be when the phone rings," Richard said. "It will be worth it and would be awesome. It will probably be the longest two weeks of my life."

On March 21, the twins sang their way through the song "Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)" in the first round of auditions. By 3:30 p.m. they went into the second round singing "God Bless the Broken Road," while receiving their buckles to go on to the third round held March 22.

The remaining contestants were informed before performing they would not know the outcome of round three for approximately two weeks after they auditioned. The boys practiced and sang, "It's Good To Be Us" by Bucky Covington, which they were later informed their rendition of the song could be used in a future advertisement.

"It was awesome," Robert said. "We got there and producers knew who we were. They're going to do a documentary on us. It was weird. I was surprised with how interested in us they were and hadn't even heard us sing. I think it's because how much our town of Lapeer supports us. I really hope they give us a call to say we're on the show and the chance for a recording contract. It hit me in Nashville that this is it. I thank everyone who came to the benefit and my family."

The next two weeks will be pins and needles for the twins as they wait to hear if they made the cut. "A camera crew followed us around," said their mother Tammy (Fay) Kinney. "My understanding is they boys had clapping and were told they did a good job...I think when the show calls they're narrowing it down for the show. The boys were scoped out by the producer. They're looking for people who are so ambitious. They knew it was a good story. They did such an awesome job. We didn't expect the cameras to be on them recreating the whole thing."

The boys went to Nashville with their grandfather, Paul Fay of Lapeer, who said of the experience, "It was phenomenal. The boys got their belt buckles and told the judges they were nervous. The boys did a lot of interviews. We couldn't believe it. They were the only twins there. I think they're old enough and Lapeer would be on the map."

Paul said the boys are waiting for the telephone call. In the meantime, he wanted to thank all of the people who showed up for a recent benefit at Lapeer Lanes to raise money to send the twins to Nashville.

One of the questions the twins were asked during numerous interviews was if they had to sum up their life in a country song title what would it be? Their response: "Never forget where you came from." They won't forget and both said they appreciate the community's help in hopes they'll meet their longtime goal.

If R&R DoubleTake ends up being on "Nashville Star," the broadcast could be in June by NBC-TV at a time to be announced.

The Fay twins were born in Macomb County. They have been singing since the age of 8, when they sang on stage with the Taylor Brothers in Fenton and Imlay City the song "I Like It, I Love It" by Tim McGraw.

Jennifer Decker can be reached at (810) 664-0811, Ext. 8125 or jennifer.decker@lapeergroup.com.