Alan Jackson's Unlikely TV Appearance

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

When you tune into tomorrow night's episode of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" on ABC you'll be in for a surprise. The "surprise" will be a real treat for country music fans and for others who prefer a different genre of music it will illustrate the power of the human spirit.

You may have read news reports about the Hawkins family. Last April, a tornado destroyed Jerrod and Amy Hawkins' Tennessee house and almost took Amy's life. She saved her sons, 6-year-old Jair and 4-year-old Cole, by lying on top of them in the basement, but was paralyzed by the falling debris. Her vertebrae and ribs were crushed, her lungs punctured, and she suffered serious head trauma.

The family's devastating plight made headlines around the world and caught the attention of award-winning musician Alan Jackson. He was so touched by the family's story that he (along with the "Extreme Makeover" team) decided to lend a hand to help them. However, don't expect to see Jackson wielding a hammer on the show. Instead of power tools the celebrated country singer picked up his guitar and performed a private concert for the volunteers who helped build the Hawkins' new wheelchair-accessible home.

"I thought I'd probably serve them better on the stage," Jackson told local newspaper reporters when he was on site a few weeks ago.

The taped concert will air Sunday on ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," which focuses on the Hawkins' ordeal.

"There have been a lot of people and companies and so forth donating their time and money. This is the easy part for me to walk out there and sing. It doesn't take much effort on my part," Jackson said.

While I rarely get a chance to see the show, some of my friends are big fans. I often hear them say that they shed tears while watching the show. I can just imagine the response that will come from fans who not only love the show, but Alan Jackson as well.

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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