For millions who grew up in the golden age of Saturday morning television, Bettina Bush’s voice was part of the soundtrack of childhood. From Rainbow Brite to My Little Pony, her performances shaped a generation of stories built around imagination, friendship, and color. Now, Bettina has come full circle with her latest project, Once Upon a Rainbow — a bright, heartwarming children’s album that blends original music with messages of creativity, inclusion, and family.
The album marks a new chapter in Bettina’s wide-ranging career, which has included animation, music, video games, and broadcasting. Released through InRage Entertainment, the project is currently under Grammy consideration for Best Children’s Music Album and Best Album Artwork. Its eight original tracks are both musically rich and thematically grounded, celebrating the values that have defined Bettina’s body of work for decades: kindness, curiosity, and self-expression.
Produced by Bruce “Automatic” Vanderveer, a Sony/ATV producer and the founder of InRage Entertainment, Once Upon a Rainbow reflects a collaboration between seasoned musical craftsmanship and Bettina’s deep understanding of storytelling for children. Vanderveer’s production brings a polished yet playful energy to the record, while Bettina’s vision keeps it rooted in sincerity and heart.
A Family Collaboration
What makes Once Upon a Rainbow particularly special is its foundation in family. Bettina’s daughter, Cassie, created the album’s cover artwork and sings on one of the tracks. Her son, Jesse, contributes a rap performance, adding a contemporary rhythm to the collection’s mix of styles. Together, the Bush family has crafted an album that feels alive, joyful, and personal — a true celebration of togetherness and the creative spark that runs through generations.
This multi-generational approach gives the album a rare authenticity. It doesn’t just speak to families — it was made by one. The project captures the idea that music can be both an artistic statement and a shared family experience.
Themes of Positivity and Expression
Each song on Once Upon a Rainbow carries a message that aligns with Bettina’s long-standing mission to create uplifting, inclusive entertainment for children. The album explores themes of individuality, kindness, creativity, and confidence, aiming to help young listeners see value in their unique perspectives.
Through melodies that balance warmth with sophistication, Bettina brings to life the same kind of optimism that once filled her animated characters. Her years of experience in voice acting, from Rugrats and Ben 10 to Madagascar and Final Fantasy, have given her a rare ability to connect emotionally through sound. That same storytelling quality carries over seamlessly into her music.
The Next Chapter: “Once Upon a You”
In addition to the album, Bettina has co-authored a new children’s book titled Once Upon a You, written with NFL Super Bowl champion Keyshawn Johnson. The book expands on the same principles that guide the album — embracing diversity, individuality, and inner strength.
Beautifully illustrated and designed for modern families, Once Upon a You aims to empower children to see their unique traits as sources of confidence and pride. Together, the book and the album form a cohesive creative vision: two companion pieces that inspire children and parents alike to explore imagination and authenticity.
A Lifetime of Creative Impact
Bettina Bush’s career has spanned nearly every corner of the entertainment industry. She began as a child performer and quickly became one of the most recognized voices in children’s television. Her musical journey led to Gold-certified albums such as Paint a Rainbow in Your Heart and Minnie & Me, and her transition to pop music brought two Top 5 singles on the Billboard charts after winning American Idol Underground.
Her career continued to expand into media and advocacy. As a national radio host for Parenting Magazine Live! and The Motherhood Corner, she created space for family-centered discussions that resonated with parents nationwide. Later, as Editor-at-Large for Working Mother magazine, Bettina used her platform to promote diversity, inclusion, and equality in the workplace — reflecting her long-standing commitment to giving voice to underrepresented perspectives.
Continuing the Mission
With Once Upon a Rainbow and Once Upon a You, Bettina continues her lifelong dedication to storytelling that uplifts, educates, and inspires. These projects reaffirm her belief that entertainment can be both joyful and meaningful — that families can sing together, read together, and see themselves reflected in the media they love.
Her projects also connect back to the legacy that first defined her career. Just as Rainbow Brite inspired children to see color and goodness in the world, Once Upon a Rainbow invites a new generation to find light within themselves.
Today, Bettina Bush continues to develop content aimed at families and young audiences through her own production company, while also making appearances on programs like TODAY and Access Hollywood. She remains active in both creative and community circles, balancing her professional work with raising her two multicultural children and caring for her rescue dog.
Through each stage of her journey — from the recording booth to the writer’s desk — Bettina Bush has maintained a single, consistent vision: to create content that celebrates imagination, diversity, and the everyday magic of family.
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