McDonald's Young Entertainers was a New Zealand teenager talent reality series that ran from 1997 to 1999 on TVNZ's TV2 at 6:30pm on Sundays. It was hosted by Jason Gunn, and endorsed by the McDonald's franchise. McDonald's Young Entertainers was broadcast in New Zealand from March 1997 to September 1999. The show featured Jason Gunn as the host and a group of talented young teenagers as a regular troupe of singers and dancers. The young talents’ job was to make the three contestants that would appear on the show feel at ease while they were under tight scrutiny from the resident judges, including singer Tina Cross. The troupe and the contestants all had to be aged 18 or under in order to be eligible for the show. Jason and the troupe would open and close each individual show with big production numbers, as well as performing various songs during the show, individually or as a group. The show aired with high ratings among young audiences, but was cancelled within two years in late 1999. The show featured some New Zealand teenagers who are now famous, including television personality Drew Neemia, cricketer Ronald Karaitiana, singer Hayley Westenra, actress Michelle Ang and concert pianist John Chen.
Episode 1
This is the very first Young Entertainers. There is a opening and closing number for each show. They perform songs as a troupe or individually throughout the show as well as granting request from the public and a different special guest appears in each show. SONGS: I Got the Music in Me Run to You Smooth Criminal Lets Celebrate an Easter Song Cuban Pete Waterloo We Are Family
Episode 2
SONGS: Carwash Cherrish Tap Your Troubles Away Principals Office My Favourite Things Blue Moon Cotton Eye Joe
Episode 3
This episode was called the KIWIANA show. Jason Gunn and the Super Troupers performed songs that have sung by famous New Zealand performers in the past SONGS: She's A Mod Greenstone Gumboot Crowded House/Split Enz Medley Do the Bluebeat God Defend New Zealand Melting Pot
Episode 4
SONGS: Dancing in the Street Mission Impossible Theme Can You Feel the Love Tonight Harmony Stepping Out With My Baby Blue Bayou Do the Locomotion
Episode 5
SONGS: Fame A Couple of Swells Toccarta and Fugue Please Mr Postman Head over Feet My Boy Lollipop Monster Mash
Episode 6
This episode is based around a ""circus"" theme. SONGS: Join the Circus Puppet on a String Be A Clown Goodbye Cruel World Swinging on a Star Send in the Clowns The Candyman Can
Episode 7
SONGS: The Rhythm Medley On the Run My Guy Vogue Acky Brakey Heart Blue Suede Shoes Hit the Road, Jack
Episode 8
SONGS: Shout It Had to Be You Stupid Cupid Sorrento Moon Bad Guys I'm in the Mood for Dancing Celebration
Episode 9
This episode has a ""show tunes"" theme, as well as it being the final heat. A chance for one of three contestants to make it to the semi-finals. SONGS: Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In Let Me Dance for You Steam Heat Castle on a Cloud Music of the Night Consider Yourself Nothing Can Stop Me Now
Episode 10
This episode is the first semi-final SONGS Walk the Dinosaur 24/7/365 U Can't Touch This Paper Moon Planet Claire It's The End of the World Walking on Sunshine
Episode 11
SONGS: Don't Blame It On The Boogie It Doesn't Matter Anymore I Believe The Children Are Our Future Medley Cantaloupe Together, Wherever We Go Joy to the World
Episode 12
No overview available.
Episode 13
No overview available.
No media available
