You’re the Next American Idol
This is the perfect party theme for musically minded girls and boys. Because American Idol is watched by millions of families, your guests should have a good idea what to expect and come ready to wow the audience. It should not be too hard to rent or borrow a karaoke machine and some CD’s. If you use actual karaoke discs, the song lyrics will appear on the TV screen with a little bouncing ball that shows the performer where she should be in the song.
For younger girls and boys in this age range, you may just want to play the songs they love and let them lip-synch with their favorite artist.If you can rig up a microphone and small speaker that will probably satisfy them.
Invitations: Invite your guests with a computer-generated invitation or postcard that says, “You’re going to Hollywood.” It should be a golden color; to mimic the golden tickets contestants get on AI. You could ask the partygoers to bring favorite CD’s if they would like.
Arrival: Whisk your guests away to “Hair and Makeup” where they can use some hair accessories and cosmetics to make each other glamorous. While waiting their turn in the make-up chair, contestants should look through the song titles available for the contest and choose the one they will perform.
Main Event: Allow each girl one practice session with an adult helper in a private place. While waiting to rehearse, guests can make “finger sandwiches” or other treats for the “after party.”
After rehearsal, call everyone to the “stage” area and begin the competition. You should probably use adults or older siblings for the judges. If you know someone who could imitate Randy, Paula, or Simon…so much the better. Caution your judges against being too critical.
After the singing you’ll have to decide if you want to declare just one winner or provide a prize or trophy for everyone.
Refreshments: For a real Hollywood flair, serve sparkling juice in fancy glasses along with the previously prepared snacks. You can say you knew the next Idol when she first started out.
