September 4th-8th, 2009 Part One
The Cactus Cuties had been looking forward to returning to Las Vegas for the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon all year long! They arrived at the South Point Hotel and Casino on Friday, September 4th. The Cuties were extremely excited because they were booked to sing two songs on the telethon this year!!! They woke up early on Saturday morning and went to Cami’s room to warm-up before reporting to sound-check at 8:00 am. The Cuties did a quick run-through of their two songs, “That’s Right (You’re Not From Texas) ” and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” After sound-check, they took seats in the audience to enjoy some of the other artists’ rehearsals. The Cuties watched as an ensemble of singers rehearsed “God Bless America,” featuring Mr. Jerry Lewis himself. The very talented choreographer, Anita Mann, was working with the stage manager Debbie Williams to make the number interesting and exciting when they noticed the Cuties sitting in the audience. Debbie called Cami down to the stage and asked if the Cuties knew “God Bless America.” Cami assured her they were very familiar with the song and would be more than willing to help in any way they could. So, they grabbed the Cuties and added them to the Jerry Lewis feature song!! The very excited Cactus Cuties took their places in the front of the ensemble, Anita stood in for Mr. Jerry Lewis, and they quickly rehearsed. As they were finishing rehearsal, country superstar Wynonna Judd walked on stage for her sound-check. The Cuties were introduced to Wynonna and she joined in as they sang her a greeting! She was very kind and gracious and posed for a few pictures with the Cuties. Wynonna then took the stage and the Cuties watched in awe as she rehearsed. After saying goodbye to Wynonna, the Cuties ran to the bowling alley to test their bowling skills. While the Cuties played, Madeline’s mom Kim and Cami made a mad dash to the mall to find red and blue clothing for the Cuties to wear for the Jerry Lewis feature song. On the way to the mall, Cami called home to Aunt Terri and asked her to record and email harmonies for “God Bless America” so Cami could teach the Cuties their parts that evening. Kim and Cami returned from the mall with many red and blue options for the Cuties from Forever 21, and Cami taught the Cuties Aunt Terri’s arrangement of “God Bless America.” They all went to bed that night thankful for the Cutie Family and looking forward to the Telethon!!!!
photographer: Leanna Elbert
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:16 pm
I am STILL kicking myself for missing seeing this live!!!!!!!!!!!!!! To this day I have not seem that complete performance of God Bless America.
Thanks for the blog!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:37 pm
AHHH!!! A new blog! I am so happy, Cami thank a million for posting.
Loving the new outfits girls they are so cute!
Me and my friends love what you wear and we can never find outfits as cute as yours.
I love y’all to death and I agree with Ashley I can’t believe I missed this performance when it was live. Ahh, well there’s always next year, eh?
Love y’all!!!!
Haley
February 3rd, 2010 at 8:20 pm
You all are just radiant! The MDA was the first time I got to see you in a ‘show’ setting and I was completely blown away with every aspect. The songs, the dress, choreography, everything… except the sound system/technician!! LOL Even so it only detracts a tiny bit. Love seeing the stills and the behind the scenes action!! Can’t wait for chapter II!
Ashley Nicole, I have the entire MDA footage and will be happy to get it to you! :- )
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:24 pm
What a great story about your MDA adventures girls! You all were simply amazing on the show and once again showed America why you are SO loved by so many people!! You were brilliant and charming and stole the show! AND what a bonus to sing the God Bless America with Jerry Lewis himself! I know it’s hard enough to sing that song, but to learn your four part harmony the night before and sing it like angels the way you girls did is Outstanding! Terri is amazing for putting that arrangement together so quickly and Cami did an awsome job teaching it to you all!
Thanks again for being such a wonderful Blessing to all of us!!
I want to know one thing…. who had the highest bowling score??? : )
God Bless The Cactus Cuties
~Jim (jihuc)
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:44 pm
You guys have the absolute cutest outfits on the planet! You guys look like you had so much fun and i’m so glad I got to see you LIVE on the telethon! I was excited to see the telethon for like a week just to see you guys perform and you did brilliant! Hoping for a third year?
Tammy
February 6th, 2010 at 8:00 am
All of yalls outfits for rehersal are fabulous! Great job girls,outstanding! Who won the bowling game?!?!
February 6th, 2010 at 11:33 am
You girls were FANTASTIC on the telethon!! Thanks for sharing another blog entry with delightful behind the scene pics and info from another wonderful adventure. You all are such a blessing!! God Bless you all in Cutieville!!!
February 15th, 2010 at 9:47 am
hi guys were big fans when is you next preformance in Colorado in 2010? We love yall and hope you can chat back
February 15th, 2010 at 9:52 am
Dear CC’s,
I am a really big fan with my sister and we both love your song, Follow Me,
me and my sister love it and listen to it all the time! Love you guys!
audrey and aimee
February 15th, 2010 at 9:52 am
Dear CC’s,
I am a really big fan with my sister and we both love your song, Follow Me,
me and my sister loves it and listen to it all the time! Love you guys!
audrey and aimee
February 15th, 2010 at 9:54 am
Dear CC’s,
I am a really big fan with my sister and we both love your song, Follow Me,
me and my sister loves it and we listen to it all the time! Love you guys!
audrey and aimee
March 15th, 2010 at 1:15 am
I LOVVVVEEEEEE THESE OUTFITS !!!!
They are all sooooo cute and yet soooo sophisticated
Can’t wait to see a new blog soon…hope all is well and from what i hear the cutie concerts were AMAZING…but am I really suprised…no way…you girls are born to perform…God has blessed each and every one of you with a gift and with each other…keep using that gift girlies. !!!
Hugs.
Nicole