Planning

Karaoke is coming back as the next big thing – who’d a thought?  But kids LOVE it!  Whether it’s Guitar Hero, Rock Star or American Idol – not to mention the plethora of TV shows specifically highlighting young tween/teen rock stars, you will definitely have a hit on your hands with this party.  This American Idol theme specifically follows the aspiring careers of your young guests as they sing in front of Randy, Paula and Simon – but keep it real Dog, and keep it fun – Simon-like comments are NOT allowed!  American Idol Party Planning

Planning – Setting the American Idol Stage  

American Idol Contestant Costume

This is a “plan ahead” party because the point is for the guests to show up performance ready!  Give everyone the party details well ahead of time so that each guest can create and prepare their selections.  No matter what age group (we see adults crying after Simon is done with them…) remember to keep this party POSITIVE.  Try Paula’s style of always finding something to compliment.   Before the party, use your computer to make certificates designated for winners in different categories. Best stage presence, great vocals, super choreography, awesome costume, funniest act etc. Allow the kids to work in duets or groups to accommodate the shy performers. Lip syncing should be allowed. Designate three adults to be the judges.  For inspiration, WATCH THE SHOW!  Get an idea of how the “audition” phase and the “Hollywood” phase work and look.  But ultimately, this theme is all about the music, and ANY kind of music goes!  Watch a few episodes to get an idea of how the sets look, so that you can get inspired.      This theme is good for a slightly smaller party.  Too many guests will result in not enough time for everyone to participate and have fun.  If everyone averages a couple of songs and you have to include conversation, set up, singing, “judging” and other events, plan your guest list accordingly.

•  This theme is all about the music.  If you have neighbors that can hear your stereo, give them a heads up!  This party is going to get loud!  But don’t forget the other senses as well.  The goal here is to create the feel of a Hollywood set – the glitz, the glamour, and rock star treatment need to hit all of the senses!
•  This is a participation party – ask guests to come in style – decked out in their most glamorous outfit and have two songs prepared – audition and “Hollywood” performances.  Note, you may have some wallflowers, so make it reaaaaaalllly clear that guests can lip-synch or just watch if they’d like.  If you want, allow group performances with back up singers and dancers for those that don’t like the limelight.
•  If you are planning on having your guests comfortable with public singing, some advance notice is a good idea.  This way they can select their “performances” and prepare.  Might want to set the stage for this party a little earlier than usual.
• Create a "dressing room" with everything the guests need to deck themselves out!  After everyone gets their audition number send them to the dressing room for touch ups and fun costume additions.
• If guests haven't arrived "in style" having everything they need to get that way! 
• Hair gel/Hairspray
• Make-up
• Body/face glitter
• Brushes
• Combs
• Hair accessories
• Fake tattoos
• Nail polish and Nail art
• Feather boas
• Sparkly glitter make-up
• Fantastic sunglasses
• Hair Accoutrements
• Bangly, sparkly, jingly jewelry
•  Don’t forget the “Judges Table” for the performances.  Select some adults to judge this party - unfortunately kids aren't known for tact and will probably result in hurt feelings if they do the judging!      Remind everyone that the goal is not to pull a Simon.  Find 3 things with each performance that were good and come up with funny, creative ways to say them.

• Have a space for guests to practice their performance, or, for guests haven't prepared a performance have some time to  let them peruse your Karaoke tunes and prepare something.
• You’re going to need a few things for this party:
  • Karaoke Machine and Karaoke CD's, or, if you have a video game system, try the American Idol game that tracks how well you sing your song!
  • CD Player with lots of age appropriate CDs (you can ask guests to bring their favorites!)
  • Cameras – video and still.  If this party is for older kids, toss around a few disposable for the kids to take their own candid shots.
  • Trophies and prizes

• American Idol Party tips:  American Idol Party Planning
• Be sure you are comfortable with the electronics BEFORE the party - otherwise you'll end up with some cranky kids as you fiddle with the equipment.
• If you have wallflowers, have things prepared for them to do so they aren't left out.  They can ssist with costumes, stage help, lighting, etc.
• Have video/picture plan set up.  This is definitely a party worth video footage!

 

 

Invitations

The invitations for this party should not only build excitement for your party, but also let your guests know what they need to do to prepare for the party.  Also, it should be clear that, for the wall flowers in your group, guests aren't required to participate, but rather, can help with "set" and "music" etc. so that no one is concerned that they may have to do something that they aren't comfortable with. 

Invitations:   American Idol Party Planning

American Idol Invitations (8)

Musical Invitation:  You can get a little creative with this Theme, consider some of the following ideas: Create a CD of fun contemporary hits and burn it.  Create labels for the CD and the case - the CD should announce the party, and the inside case label can give party details.  Create a press pass or backstage pass with string for everyone.  Replicate the American Idol Audition sticker (worn across their midriff when auditioning).  Give each guest a “number” and include party details on the back.  Are you the Next American Idol???  Come find out….

Party Reminder:   American Idol Party Planning

• Party Reminders are perfect for parties like the American Idol party that require some serious planning.  Send out the party reminder asking everyone to submit their song and any special needs their "performance" may need.  This will help you organize who goes when etc.

Thank You Notes:   American Idol Party Planning

• Encore!  Take a picture of all the performers on stage for their encore - select a song that everyone liked.  While everyone is dancing, singing and having the best time, snap a shot.  The Thank You note with this picture on it will remind everyone what a great time they had and be the perfect way to say "Thank You" for sharing my day.

 

Invitations	Reminders / Thank You Notes
Title Name State	Title Name State

 

Dress It Up

This party is all about the action - you are creating a set.   The decorations are the back drop for the entertainment, instead of being the centerpiece of the party.  Watch an episode or two to get an idea of what the set includes (you can go on line for this as well).  Then try to create the feeling of the stage in your party space.

Decorate Your Party Space:  American Idol Party Planning

• Colors:  Bright blue and silver are the primary colors on the American Idol set.  Throw in a splash of bright, vivid color for contrast. 
• The Stage:  Create a stage backdrop on the wall with dark color materials (navy blue sheets are great!).  Create an American Idol logo out of posterboard and center it. 
• Lighting:  Lighting is everything – dim the lights, sparkle some Christmas lights behind the “stage” and pop up a disco ball for sparkle!
• Star Power:   Stars, stars, stars!  Hang them from the ceiling on fishing line and hang them on the walls.
• Music as Decoration:  Take CDs and loop fishing wire through the center hole.  Hang them from the ceiling to catch the light and create the ambience of a hit-making party!
• Judges' Table:  Set up the “Judges Table” in front of the stage.  Take a standard size table and drape with blue material to match your stage.  Have mugs in front of each judge for authenticity.
• Making an Entrance:  could anything be more appropriate than the red carpet???  You can use red butcher paper leading up to the door or find inexpensive red material – have balloons on each side in periodic bunches and then add cut out stars with each guests name on the red carpet itself! 

• Set the stage with a red carpet, party lights, bannersa and balloons. Add a microphone, and say... "This is American Idol"!!!!!

Tablescape:  American Idol Party Planning

• Table Placement:  You have some very specific needs with this party - you need one table as a "judges" table, and you probably want to minimize the food and drinks near the electronics.  So place your refreshments table away from the stage, but near enough for everyone to snack.   Because this party has a "stage" your table is actually NOT your centerpiece in this party.  It's a side attraction that is more functional than decorative.  Make it pop, but put more effort in your performance space.
• Kraft Service Table:  Think of your refreshments table as the "Kraft Service" table.  Sitting down to eat isn't really something that will work with this interactive party.  Buffet meal/snacks is much better. 
• Food Placement:  Layer your buffet so that everything is immediately reachable and intersperse your theme where you can.  Have a bunch of American Idol balloons attached to the American Idol logo as your centerpiece then have Idol themed food and microphones throughout the table.

Decorations	Tablescapes
Title Name State	Title Name State

 

Food/Drink

For this party, buffet is the key.  Keep it light, keep it yummy, and keep it finger friendly.  The guests are probably going to graze, and will not want to miss the action, so will probably grab their grazing items and wander. 

Food  American Idol Party Planning

• Fruit "kabobs" with wooden skewers
• Chicken nuggets (add some fun, "grown up" dipping sauces so it doesn't feel like "kid" food
• Star pizza - take a small regular pizza then add large slices facing OUTward so that the pizza looks like a star!

Beverages  American Idol Party Planning

• Grown-up Feeling:  Have fun with beverages - make the kids feel grown up.  The key here is star power, so your guests should feel spoiled and pampered, like they were new stars, and all grown up.
• Champagne (Kind of):  Plastic champagne glasses so that each guest feels like a star!  Add fizzy punch (7-up with your favorite juice).
• Mixed Drinks (Kind of):  Virgin versions of your favorite mixed drinks.  Pina Coladas, Strawberry margaritas, etc.
• Power smoothies:  Have fruit smoothies ready - they are tasty and give the guests the energy they need to get their groove on!

Food	Beverages
Title Name State	Title Name State

 

Cake

Cakes and Desserts  American Idol Party Planning

• Sunday Bar:  For something sweet, consider a Sundae Bar or Gourmet Floats (cherry/orange or grape soda with vanilla ice cream).

• The Cake:  The cake for this party should reflect the show, singing, or simply the quest to be a STAR.   Consider some of the following:
• Microphone:  A cake shaped like a microphone
• Stars:  A cake covered in stars of every shape and size
• Star Cupcakes:  Cupcakes that have a silver star (about 3 inches) tucked into the top of each one.  Have each guests name on a star!

Title Name State

 

Entertainment

The Party Fun for this party is pretty obvious - because this is an activity based theme.  Dress up, practice, performance - that's what you're doing during this party.  However, have a few activities ready for breaks in the schedule.  Set changes, a quiet catch your breath moment, etc.  Plus, you may want to toss in a few traditional elements as well.

Activities

• Microphone Pinata:  Close your party with a Microphone pinata!
• Crafty Ideas: 
• Star Studded T-shirts:  have fabric paints, markers, glitter, and decorations to make T-shirts performance ready!
• Idolized Pictures:  Have pictures of performers taken before everyone starts, then print them and have a frame station.  Have simple wooden frames with everything your guests could need to make them sparkly and fitting of their glamorous costumes!

• Lip Sync Contest:  Have a song everyone is familiar with (and you want to hear a LOT of times…) and let everyone lip sync to the music.  Have prizes for best performance, wildest performance, most outrageous performance...
• If you've got kids, if you've got music, if you've got…. A broom….  Do the LIMBO!  This zany party activity is fun for adults and kids alike!
• Open Mic Night:  Close your party with a free for all with the Karaoke machine.  Sometimes the unplanned/unrehearsed performances are the best!  Let the kids take turns.  If you want to end on a humorous note, try making the closing performances different by asking the kids to be as silly as they can be.  Have corresponding awards to the "good" performances with awards for wildest performance, silliest dancing, flattest notes, etc.

Title Name State

 

Prizes / Favors

SWAG!  If it's about being a star, have swag for each of your budding stars!  Include fun glitzy items, such as items that glow in the dark, CD mixes, make up kits, lip gloss, stickers, glitter pens and fun picture frames.

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