Exhibit 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS We have issued our report dated August 23, 2000, accompanying the consolidated financial statements and schedule included in the Annual Report of K-tel International, Inc. on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2000. We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of said report in the Registration Statements of K-tel International, Inc. on Forms S-8 (File No. 33-18723 effective November 25, 1987), (File No. 333-28815 effective June 5, 1997), (File No. 333-65755 effective October 6, 1998), (File No. 333-74471 effective March 12, 1999), (File No. 333-31272 effective February 28, 2000), and (File No. 333-39022 effective June 9, 2000) and on Form S-3 (File No. 333-79933 effective June 3, 1999). /S/ GRANT THORNTON LLP Minneapolis, Minnesota September 28, 2000 44