Karaoke Forums

Continuing along with the development of this concept, I am now thinking of calling it a "Talent Show" with prizes rather than a "Karaoke Contest". Any thoughts?

Also, any feedback on Bab's suggestion of limiting the show to 10 contestants? BTW I might just call them "participants" rather than "contestants"?

How would 10 participants work out in terms of the time that would be required for their performances?

I am thinking that if each person sings 2 songs and each song is 5 minutes long, their actual singing time would consume 100 minutes. Let's say, additionally, it would take a minute to introduce them and to also get them on and off the stage during each performance. That could be another 20 minutes, in total. So, that's 2 hours!

To me that seems like all of the time that should be devoted to the talent show, short of announcing the winners. And with all of the prizes, including the gag prizes, that pretty much should leave 1 hour and 45 minutes for open singing, even more if there are less than 10 participants!

Does that seem to make sense?

So, next, the biggest help I could use in determining how to select the judges! I know one fellow who has formal training as a singer

jeff,
Could you fill me in on the number of participants you get? And what do you mean by "several" weeks for qualifying. Also, what is involved with qualifying and did you put "qualifying" in quotes?

During the "Special Olympics", everyone wins a prize..

Tov- it may be a learning experience. It depends on your crowd. You may want to keep the event to 10 singers one song, so you have open karaoke for other people there after the contest is over. That way you may hook some new people into coming back on non-contest nights. Or you may want to fill the entire night with the faux contest.

As far as judges I'd think it would depend on how serious you are making it. If it's all for fun I'd simply get people that look like idol judges and you know will make funny comments to keep it entertaining. No one is really a loser if everyone is getting a prize, so it wouldn't be that detrimental to have highly trained judges. I'd even make up funny false introductions for them. There are some many fun ideas coming to mind now like making a poster that looks the the American Idol Logo but with what you are calling it. KARAOKE IDOL - a faux contest for fun. Maybe even have a Idol category where they dress up like a passed idols and sing in their style. Be your favorite idol for a night. People love to entertain for others that will be their biggest reward. They'll want their friends there to see them and everyone will get a kick out of seeing what funny category award they get. Just brain storming - I hope I helped.

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Tovmod, what you're suggesting isn't a "contest" (what's a "casual" contest?) ... sounds like more of a "showcase". Contests are designed to bring in NON-regulars, run multiple weeks, and be judged based on singing skill. Sounds like you really want to do more of a fun promotion to reward your current regulars. Nothing wrong with that, but I wouldn't promote it with the word "contest" or there will be some angry patrons for sure.


Number of winners? I'd have 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. If you want to throw in a couple of the goofy categories mentioned previously (Saddest Song, etc.) go for it.

The main winners (1st, 2nd, 3rd) should be selected by judges. Judges should not be people who have anything to do with the bar. I suggest reps from other local businesses (beer rep? owner of hair salon down the street?) who don't know anyone in the bar and have no vested interest in the winner. The goofy winners can be selected by applause with the judges coming up with 3 finalists for each "category".

Prize money? Wouldn't make it huge. Again, because this sounds like more of a showcase to reward existing customers, an appreciative token would be all you need. Maybe even a $100 bar tab.

How much time to devote? I would have everyone who sings that night automatically entered in the showcase! Perhaps the last 90 minutes of the show, those who the judges deem as "finalists" can each sing a second song.

Good luck!

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I really like the term "showcase" and unless something problematic developments with that terminology I will be using it!

I'm still thinking about how, if at all, to have "official" judges?

Keep the ideas coming, they've been extremely helpful!

Thanks

Tov

Tov-
What have you decided on so far for sure? It will help to have a base to go on. There are so many variables it would be easier to help with ideas if we knew what direction you're going. I like showcase too.

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You're absolutely right. Most notably, I haven't finalized the number of entrants, the number of songs each will sing, the number of "gag" prizes or the "gag" categories. I also still need suggestions as to how to select the judges. And what might work best, introducing the judges or keeping them anonymous? I am assuming I will have 3 judges. So, if folks would concentrate on these questions, that would help me develop the needed "base" mentioned above.

As to the "gag" prizes, I am thinking that I should not announce those categories at the start of the competition, but rather surprise the winners when the prizes are awarded.

I must point out that I am not planning this event simply for the benefit of my regulars. I have no hesitation to promote it as a "Talent Showcase with Prizes". If any newcomer finds that the format is not "serious" enough them, they will leave and probably not return. Meanwhile, I don't believe the format I will use will turn off my regulars, who already know that my show can often be quite zany!

Judges that's tough. I'd think you'd want people most nobody knows. I wouldn't worry to much about getting judges with a huge resume. As long as you know they are able to tell the difference between good singers and excellent singers you'll be okay.

I still like the idea of introducing them with a funny intro. That will keep it light and fun.

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