OKC's Herndon twins bring harmony to Nashville

Many aspiring musicians call Oklahoma home, including the Herndon Twins who recently appeared on CMT's "Can You Duet?" reality show.

Monday, October 13th 2008, 2:25 pm

By: News 9


By Audrey Esther, News9.com INsite Team 

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Many aspiring musicians call Oklahoma home including twin sisters Addi Panter and Jala Verner.

"We've never experienced anything without each other," Verner said while sitting next to her sister Addi.  

For Addi and Jala, also known as The Herndon Twins, that couldn't be truer when it comes to music. Their latest shared experience was a stint on County Music Television's "Can You Duet?" reality show. A show that seemed tailor made for these duet singing sisters.

"I was like, 'let's just do it, just go for it'," recalled Verner of their decision to audition.

Like the sister's harmony the opportunity had perfect timing as both began to question pursuing a music career full-time.

"'Lord, if you want us to continue doing this just provide opportunities', and that one sounded like right up our alley, so we did it," Panter said.

Under the bright lights of a Nashville stage the sisters competed against 24 other singers and duets. Most had more professional experience than her and her sister, Panter said.

"Not many people get to experience that just alone, but to get to experience it together was really powerful for us," she said.

"It was so cool to have my best friend and my twin sister competing with me. It was like we wouldn't have to say much to be on the same page," Verner said.

One of their more memorable moments was singing the country classic "Love Can Build a Bridge" in front of song writer and creator, Naomi Judd.  Their performance brought Judd to tears.

"Singing with your twin sister is something you can't explain," Verner said. "It's really fulfilling to have had that experience together."

That same week was the Herndon's final appearance.

"I think it was time for us to go home when we went home," Panter said.

Once back in Edmond it was back to real life and time to make a real decision. Verner, a recent nursing school graduate, felt more called toward nursing.

"I truly feel called to the nursing profession and I want to gain some experience there before I leave that," she said.

However, Panter said she wants to continue to sing professionally wherever and whenever she can.

"I just felt like this is the time in my life, Caleb (her husband) and I don't have kids and if I'm going to make something in music happen this is the time to make it happen," she said.

Wherever their paths may lead they say they'll always be connected through music.

"I hope and pray we'll always sing together and continue to do this type of thing, but I don't know. We'll see where the Lord takes us," Verner said.

The Herndon Twins' next performance will be at their Alma Matter, Oklahoma Christian University, on October 25 where they will appear with Governor Mike Huckabee.

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