Live vocal setup

hi, i'd like to try performing with live, but i just arrived here and i haven't got myself a speaker yet, and i've recorded songs so far with an earphone.

I was wondering, if i connect my ipod to a wired speaker ( i tried bluetooth airplay one, it couldnt work) and set the monitor on,

Will i get no feedback if i raise the noise gate high? i tried with my laptop and with high noise gate level, my singing comes in late, when my singing isnt loud enough

ps. the speaker will be in the same room as i am, as i'd like to hear the result, and i'm using apogee mic currently