Karaoke Forums

Any KJs out there ever done a gig for teenagers?..if yes, how did it go?
Our friends are having a B-day party for their daughter (16). They are considering to have a KJ for the party.
She sings karaoke when we get together, but, I'm wondering if teeagers are too self-conscious , too afraid to look dumb in front of their friends...comments please?

We did a few shows at a local pizza place and most of the singers were teens. Looked like the had a great time and their friends really cheered and supported them for getting up.

when I was in the 8th grade....... so about 13 I guess..... My school had what's called a Wake-a-thon...... We raised money to stay up all night at school. We had all kinds of activities goin' on.... one of which was karaoke. Let me tell you.... it was the most popular thing there. Everyone wanted to get involved! We had students doing duets with TEACHERS even! Good stuff! I think teenagers'll love it.... 'specially since the American Idol craze....

AND! just the other day I had my 15 yr old neice over, and she wouldn't put my microphone down!!

I'm 21. So I was a teenager 2 yrs ago... I don't think much has changed since then!! ! I say go for it!!

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We did a 16th birthday party (girl), and it was a bit slow to start. I would be sure and check the style of music they are interested in and have some tunes to play in case it starts slow. After some awkward teen moments and comments (joking, daring, normal teen challenges), it took off and was a blast. We even ended up staying later than planned!

I just did one similar not too long ago. Slow to get started, but once they did, man you couldn't shut them up. LOTS of group singers so you can't go too hard if you have a duet rule, just make sure everyone is getting a chance. Was also very surprised at the songs they were picking, 50% were doing classic rock & oldies, the rest was current pop/rock/country. Be sure to check with parents if a private party about language restrictions, some will allow language, some will not - this last one the parents said anything goes, I tried warning of some of the songs & their response was, "well if it's a word or phrase that i've never heard of, then I may reconsider, otherwise they are teens & hear worse at school". If it isn't a private show, pretty much make a separate book with all profanity & language songs deleted.
You don't want some 13 year old singing Because I Got High in front of Grandma????

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I've done teen parties, but never a steady teen gig, other than my family show I used to do. And yes, you do have to go easier on the duet rule...

I DJ'ed the graduation all night parties in the mid 90-s, for about 5 straight years, for corvallis and crescent valley high- they were combined and held at Oregon State University so probably 800-1000 students total... formatting karaoke was no different than formatting the music set- no hard style rap, heavy hevy metal or techno... now these are generalized groups of music but it really wasn't that hard knowing my music collection inside and out... a quick explanation to a student who found a song with questionable content usually did the trick- they understood about the language or content... if they REALLY wanted to sing it I would tell them I would grab a member of the graduation committee and ask them... if I couldn't find anyone to pass it by then I would end up just telling the student they said NO anyways... it really comes down to doing all your research BEFORE a party for all ages with the people who hire you... discussing issues about music, content, language etc is easier weeks before an event than trying to get it figured out inbetween songs I use the same approach when I do weddings- asking the bride and groom EXACTLY what they DO NOT want played so I can blame them when cousin johnny asks if I will play the latest and greatest rap song... same concept works with teens... asking beforehand with those in charge allows you to make those calls without making you look like the bad guy to the person who wants to sing it... I found out the many years I did the graduation parties that once they started singing there was no stopping the kids from going ALL night... keeping 9-12 hours of music and karaoke going and fun is exhausting but very profitable heheheh - tig

We've done a lock-in at a community center, private parties for teens and KidFest and... as indicated by Lonman, it started slow and then it was a mad rush with lots of excited kids!!! Lots of group songs and lots of repeat songs but tons of fun!! Iin all these we have had only one teenager ask to do a song with questionable content (super suggestive).

It is a lot of fun for us as there aren't many areas locally for people under 21 to sing and it's wonderful to be able to provide that service for them!! We have several customers at our retail store that are under 21 and we enjoy hearing them sing at the shop!

Susie

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I've done karaoke for several post-prom parties at a school where I also work as a substitute teacher. I am continually amazed at how the kids who can't say peep in class will get up and sing.

The only thing I'd have to say in warning is be prepared to deal with large groups of singers. Most kids don't mind looking "stupid" if all their friends are there looking stupid with them. Either be prepared to bring several extra mics or let them know that large groups will sing without mics as a choir.

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Spreading the karaoke gospel

They get wild and laugh and yell alot...they care less for equipment and act 2 years old!

They get wild and laugh and yell alot...they care less for equipment and act 2 years old!

I have done a lot of kid parties, combination DJ/Karaoke. I always take a "prize box" with me to encourage singing - every singer gets to choose a prize after their first song. Dollar Store type stuff. Having current material is helpful (i.e., Avril). I would also recommend having current DJ music on hand if the singing is slow. Teens can surprise you with older material as well (i.e., Barbie Girl). You might also do well to bring some hula hoops and a limbo stick for some games/contests. Has worked everytime. For girls, at 16 I would guess they are still into more of the pop thing, whereas the guys have become more into the rock area (which can kill a dance floor btw). Old school rap like Baby Got Back, and some earlier metal (anything by Metallica) is also good to have handy in both karaoke and DJ music. Good luck and have fun. These are great gigs!

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Sounds Great! Entertainment
Bartlett, Illinois

Im doing a show for my nieces birthday.
I plan on dj and karaoke.
Remember teens love lights! They are easy to get dancing.
Ive done a couple dj shows for teens, they are so fun. I cant wait to introduce karaoke to this party.

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Happy Sound Entertainment

I have recently done a Birthday party for a 16 year old (male). I have to tell you, We all had a blast! We hade so much fun with the parents and the kids, They ALL chipped in and sang. Parents were singing with kids, and then I whipped out the Kamikaze Karaoke.

Well, all in all it was a good time. I do have to say make sure your core is up to date, they were really into top 40 at this particular party.