A Little Bit Of Country For Choir

'Viva Las Vegas' For Kids At Academy Of Country Music Awards Show

(CBS) 
Now, a big-time "Red Carpet" can be intimidating to professionals. But these kids were ready.

"Are you ever nervous on stage, or are you just used to performing?" one of the girls asked Keith Burns.

"We get excited," he replied.

Another asked Billy Dean: "How do you make a good singer?"

"Practice!" he exclaimed.

"Rascal Flats" sang to the girls; then, one said, "Thanks, it was a great interview!"

How cool was that?

"Awesome!" the kids exclaimed in unison.

Lee Ann Womack, who first met choir members in February, was greeted by the kids with applause.

"I know you worked so hard," she told thm. "And it takes a lot of practice, so I'm really really proud of you."

The young kids sang a quick song for her as she exclaimed, "I get to be the audience."

Then it was finally time to file in to the Mandalay Bay Events Center for the big awards show, each and every seat donated by the Academy of Country Music.

On stage, Keith Burns of Trick Pony announced: "And this year's top vocal duo is, Hall & Oats. No, just kidding. Brooks & Dunn!

The duo performed, "Play Something Country." And backstage, a girl asked Dunn, "You've been in this business a long time. Is there anything new to you anymore?"

"It's new to us," he replied. "Every show is different. It's all new."

Barbara Mandrell announced: "The Entertainer of the Year is, yey!, Kenny Chesney!"

So a boy named Adrian wasted no time in getting Chesney's ear backstage, "What advice would you give young kids or young groups in striving for better things in music? What advice would you give?"

"I am a poster boy for hard work," he said.

Gretchen Wilson, who won in the Top Female Vocalist & New Artist category, was also interviewed.

"As a new artist," a male student named Travis asked, "did you always think you'd be right here where you are today?"

"Well," she said, "I think you have to be positive, and you have to dream. You have to envision yourself there, or you wouldn't know where to step next."

A dream brought these singers to Las Vegas. Where will they step next? They are limited only by the size of their dreams.

Smith admitted to being nervous about taking 40 kids to a celebrity-packed awards show in Las Vegas, but she said the young people were all so disciplined and respectful that the celebrities were commenting about what a fantastic group they were.