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The Cactus Cuties: YouTube to Center Stage


CBN.com YOUTUBE PHENOMENON
           
The Cactus Cuties originated from a vocal training program of Don and Terri Caldwell’s historic Cactus Theater in Lubbock, Texas.  At one time, there were 19 girls in the group, but it was too hard to handle that number of girls while traveling. 

The Caldwell’s daughter, Cameron, came home from college and began working with a younger group of girls known today as The Cactus Cuties.  Even at their young ages, the girls are seasoned veterans.  For the last five years, they have delighted audiences with their harmonies and charismatic presence. 

When they performed The Star Spangled Banner for the first time at Texas Tech, Madeline’s grandfather recorded the performance and posted it on YouTube to show a family member. They were surprised to learn that others wanted to see it too! After three months, their arrangement garnered 5 million hits on YouTube.  Soon they were getting calls from The Today Show to perform.  “We are amazed that we bless so many people,” says Baylee.  One soldier in Afghanistan loved it so much that he played the song over the loudspeaker on the base.
           
Cameron says Americans sing the national anthem many times without knowing or understanding the meaning behind it.  When the girls learned what the song was truly about, they decided to write a book about it called Oh, Say Do You Know? The book is the story of Francis Scott Key and features the Cuties’ singing the national anthem plus two bonus songs on CD.

THE GIRLS
           
Andi Kitten began singing at 3 years old.  By the time she was 6, she was singing for her church and at community events. She was crowned “Little Miss Lubbock” and joined The Cactus Cuties. Now 11, Andi continues to be a featured vocalist at the Cactus Theater for various productions. 
           
Baylee Barrett has been singing publicly since she was 4 years old.  Now 14, Baylee has hundreds of performances to her credit.  She’s won two local pageants and earned the title of “Diamond Miss” and “Petite Miss Lubbock.”  She is the oldest of the group.  In 2004, Baylee broke her neck from a trampoline accident.  After months of rehab and a bleak outlook, Baylee made a full recovery!
           
Blaire Ebert, 11, started vocal lessons with Cameron when she was 5 years old.  After a year, she joined The Cactus Cuties.  When Cameron recognized a natural break in Blaire’s voice, she introduced her to the art of yodeling.  She has been a featured performer for events such as Texas Tech Distnguished Alumni Gala, 4th on Broadway and many Cactus Theater productions.
           
Madeline Powell is 9 years old and has been singing regularly since she was 4.  Her passion for singing is almost matched by her love of acting.  She played the lead role of Edwina in “Dear Edwina” and other roles in “Father of the Bride” and “Father’s Little Surprise.”  When she was 5, Madeline saw and fell in love with “Cats” and has been captivated by Broadway musicals ever since.
           
The girls stand, left to right facing the audience, from tallest to shortest: Baylee, Blaire, Andi and Madeline.  For more information or to obtain the book, please visit www.thecactuscuties.com

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