So, your child wants an ‘American Idol’ birthday party? You immediately feel as if you are at an A.I. audition falling prey to Simon’s wrath. Breath…There’s no need for stage fright. Follow these simple steps and you’ll be sure to have a star-studded event so your guests can party like rock stars!
Planning
Try to start planning 4–6 weeks in advance. This will allow time for on-line orders, invitations, and cake/food orders. For stress-free planning, order your American Idol party supplies online; All of the party supplies you’ll need, delivered to your door!
Then, add the American Idol party games, ideas, and decorating suggestions provided below!
Invitations
Send invitations 2–3 weeks before your party. Order online or make your own using bright paper, stickers and gel pens.
Be creative and use the headline: “Are you the next American Idol? Come to Lucy’s birthday party for your chance to perform!” Then include the party details and encourage kids to come dressed to perform. Be sure you let guests know performing is optional.
Decorations
Use the American Idol colors for your color scheme: bright blue and silver. Throw in a couple other bright colors for fun, too. Hang plenty of silver stars from the ceiling using fishing line. Add steamers, balloons, etc. Don’t forget your Idol stage…Make a backdrop on the wall with white butcher paper or a white sheet. Write American Idol on the paper. Outline the edges of the paper with streamers and white Christmas lights and hang more stars. You may also want to decorate a “Judges Table” that can be used for the cake and ice cream later.
Additional Items: Karaoke machine, markers and string for contestant numbers, adults or older teens to be the judges, make-up and dress-up items, trophies or badges, optional art supplies, and American Idol party favors.
Games
Coordinate your American Idol competition in a positive, non-threatening manner. Before the party, make certificates for winners in various 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.
When the kids arrive, give them a contestant number (easy with a computer) and a “star make-over.” Provide fun accessories: feather boas, hats, sunglasses, jewelry, shoes, etc. If the performers haven’t prepared an act before the party, allow them to look over the Karaoke CDs and establish if they are performing in duets, etc. Then let them work together to create some fun choreography and practice if possible. Consider hiring a dance instructor to teach some cool steps.
Once everyone is prepared, the show begins. Everyone will take their turns and then the winners will be announced—all with plenty of applause of course! Present the certificates.
Icing on the Cake
If you don’t want a store-bought cake and feel up to the challenge, try to make the Microphone Cake. Use a round cake and a sheet cake to make microphone. Cut the a narrow piece from the sheet cake to create the microphone handle. Frost the round cake with white frosting and sprinkle blue colored sugar over the top. Frost the handle with chocolate frosting. Add a piece of black licorice whip to the end of the handle to make a remote microphone chord. You could also experiment with this same concept to make individual microphone cupcakes.
American Idol Party Favors
Send your guests home with a special treat: Glow-in-the-dark items, play microphone, a CD mix, stickers, lip gloss, and autograph book. Place all of the party favors in a star shaped bucket or a blue party bag decorated with a glitter pen and stickers.