Everyone is buzzing about the changes coming to “American Idol” – I say bring it on.

This show needed some shakeup and a little extra buzz.  Ellen DeGeneres never really fit on the show in my opinion. I’ll miss her witty comments on the show, but I think it’s best that she leaves.  I liked Kara, but never LOVED her. She didn’t bring enough to the table that was different than what any of the other judges said.

Plus, it’s entertainment afterall – enough of the “in the music business” kind of lingo. I want to be entertained and that’s what I feel Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler would add to the show.

How Randy’s job is saved I’ll never know. He was one of the original judges and that may be what he has going for him.

And of course, what would be “American Idol” without Ryan Seacrest – I am glad he’s coming back.

Ryan Seacrest is here in Milwaukee for the American Idol auditions, and WE got an exclusive interview with him!

Click here to hear what Ryan had to say.

Danny Gokey returned to Milwaukee today for the American Idol auditions!

The Mix’s own Tony Lorino snapped a photo of the superstar downtown.

To listen to our interview with him, click here

Think we’ll find the next American Idol here in Milwaukee?

I had a chance to chat w/ some of the Top 10 American Idols at Summerfest. Milwaukee, WI was the second stop in a three month long tour. Siobhan Magnus shares the stories behind her tattoos. Andrew Garcia reveals his plans for after the tour, Katie Stevens gushes over the Green Bay Packers, Michael Lynche & winner Lee Dewyze get into an arguement mid-interview.  All in all, a great time was had by everyone. Plus, if you plan on auditioning for Season 10, they all have really good advice on how to handle the monster that is American Idol. Enjoy the interviews!

Before AMERICAN IDOL, Lee DeWyze worked as a paint store clerk in Mt. Prospect, IL. Kris Allen was a college student from Conway, AR. David Cook tended bar in Blue Springs, MO. Chris Daughtry was a service advisor at a car dealership in Greensboro, NC. Carrie Underwood lived on a farm in Checotah, OK. Jennifer Hudson was a cruise ship performer from Chicago, IL. Kelly Clarkson was a waitress from Dallas, TX. One audition changed the rest of their lives.

Once again, aspiring singers will have the incredible opportunity to audition in cities across the country to become the next AMERICAN IDOL as the No. 1 show on television begins auditions for its milestone 10th season on Saturday, July 17 in Nashville, TN. The search for the next singing superstar will continue in Milwaukee, WI, on Wednesday, July 21; New Orleans, LA, on Monday, July 26; East Rutherford, NJ, on Tuesday, Aug. 3; Austin, TX, on Wednesday, Aug. 11; and San Francisco, CA, on Thursday, Aug. 19.

In celebration of the momentous 10th anniversary and in an effort to continue to find the best undiscovered talent in the nation, AMERICAN IDOL is expanding the eligibility age range for the first time ever to include hopefuls from 15 to 28 years old. (The previous minimum age requirement was 16.)

“A lot of young, talented people are now seeking careers and representation before they turn 16,” said Cecile Frot-Coutaz, executive producer of AMERICAN IDOL. “Lowering the age limit allows us to tap into this talent pool.”

Audition information, including forms and requirements can be found at www.americanidol.com

Lee Dewyze’s Songs Performed:
“Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol (Feb. 24)

“Lips Of An Angel” by Hinder (March 2)

“Fireflies” by Owl City (March 10)

“Beast Of Burden” by The Rolling Stones (March 16)

“The Letter” by The Box Tops (March 23)

“Treat Her Like A Lady” by The Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose (March 30)

“Hey Jude” by Lennon / McCartney (April 6)

“Little Less Conversation” by Elvis Presley (April 13)

“The Boxer” by Simon & Garfunkel (April 20)

“You’re Still The One” by Shania Twain (April 27)

“That’s Life” by Frank Sinatra (May 4)

“Kiss From A Rose” by Seal (May 11)

Lee Dewyze’s Pick:
“Simple Man,” by Lynyrd Skynyrd (May 18)

Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” selected by Simon Cowell

ROUND 1 – chosen by Lee.
“The Boxer” – Simon & Garfunkel

ROUND 2 – chosen by executive producer Simon Fuller.
“Everybody Hurts” – R.E.M.

ROUND 3 – Cover songs that will be recorded by the finalists if they win.
“Beautiful Day” – U2

Favorite Quote or Motto:

Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze went head to head last night in Part 1 of the American Idol Finale.
Click on the player to listen to performances and judge reaction.

ROUND 1 – chosen by Lee.
“The Boxer” – Simon & Garfunkel

ROUND 2 – chosen by executive producer Simon Fuller.
“Everybody Hurts” – R.E.M.

ROUND 3 – Cover songs that will be recorded by the finalists if they win.
“Beautiful Day” – U2

ROUND 1 – chosen by Crystal.
“Me and Bobby McGee” – Janis Joplin

ROUND 2 – chosen by executive producer Simon Fuller.
“Black Velvet” – Alannah Myles

ROUND 3 – Cover songs that will be recorded by the finalists if they win.
“Up to the Mountain” – Patty Griffin

To look back on this season w audio recaps, video interviews and more…go to Van McNeil’s American Idol Headquarters…click here.

Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze are AMERICAN IDOL’s Top 2 finalists after Casey James received the fewest of America’s more than 47 million votes. The season’s most important performance show promises to be a night to remember as Bowersox and DeWyze face off for the IDOL crown at the NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE Tuesday, May 25 7pm on FOX6.

Crystal Bowersox’s Songs Performed:
“Hand In My Pocket” by Alanis Morissette (Feb. 23)

“Long As I Can See The Light” by Creedence Clearwater Revival (March 3)

“Give Me One Reason” by Tracy Chapman (March 9)

“You Can’t Always Get What You Want” by The Rolling Stones (March 16)

“Me & Bobby McGee” by Janis Joplin (March 23)

“Midnight Train To Georgia” by Gladys Knight & The Pips (March 30)

“Come Together” by Lennon / McCartney (April 6)

“Saved” by Elvis Presley (April 13)

“People Get Ready” by The Impressions (April 20)

“No One Need To Know” by Shania Twain (April 27)

“Summer Wind” by Frank Sinatra (May 4)

“I’m Alright” by Kenny Loggins (May 11)

“Falling Slowly” by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova - Duet w Lee Dewyze (May 11)

Crystal Bowersox’s pick:
“Come to My Window,” by Melissa Etheridge (May 18)

Paul McCartney “Maybe I’m Amazed” — selected by Ellen DeGeneres (May 18)

Favorite Quote or Motto:

Lee Dewyze’s Songs Performed:
“Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol (Feb. 24)

“Lips Of An Angel” by Hinder (March 2)

“Fireflies” by Owl City (March 10)

“Beast Of Burden” by The Rolling Stones (March 16)

“The Letter” by The Box Tops (March 23)

“Treat Her Like A Lady” by The Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose (March 30)

“Hey Jude” by Lennon / McCartney (April 6)

“Little Less Conversation” by Elvis Presley (April 13)

“The Boxer” by Simon & Garfunkel (April 20)

“You’re Still The One” by Shania Twain (April 27)

“That’s Life” by Frank Sinatra (May 4)

“Kiss From A Rose” by Seal (May 11)

Lee Dewyze’s Pick:
“Simple Man,” by Lynyrd Skynyrd (May 18)

Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” selected by Simon Cowell

Favorite Quote or Motto:

Tune in the Wednesday night for the most anticipated television event of the season. Over 100,000 people auditioned, and now only one finalist will be crowned the next AMERICAN IDOL on the season finale Wednesday, May 26 (7:00-9:07 PM on FOX6. The American Idol season finale will feature special performances and surprise guests, and the Top 12 finalists will reunite on stage one last time before America’s vote is revealed.

Who is your favorite?

Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze are AMERICAN IDOL’s Top 2 finalists after Casey James received the fewest of America’s more than 47 million votes.

Songs Performed:
“Heaven” by Bryan Adams (Feb. 24)

“I Don’t Want To Be” by Gavin DeGraw (March 2)

“You’ll Think Of Me” by Keith Urban (March 10)

“It’s All Over Now” by The Rolling Stones (March 17)

“Power Of Love” by Huey Lewis and The News (March 24)

“Hold On I’m Coming” by Sam and Dave (March 31)

“Jealous Guys” by Lennon / McCartney (April 7)

“Ladwy Miss Clawdy” by Elvis Presley (April 13)

“Don’t Stop” by Fleetwood Mac (April 20)

“Don’t” by Shinia Twain (April 27)

“Blue Skies” by Frank Sinatra (May 4)

“Mrs. Robinson” by Simon and Garfunkel (May 11)

“Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman” by Brian Adams (May 11)

Casey James’ pick:
“OK, It’s Alright With Me,” by Eric Hutchinson (May 18)

John Mayer’s “Daughters,” selected by Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson (May 18)

The Top 3 finalists – Crystal Bowersox, Lee Deywyze and Casey James compete head-to-head Tuesday night singing two songs – judges’ choice and finalist’s choice – as they vie for a coveted spot in the finale.

Click on the player to lister to performances and judges reaction.

Casey James’ pick:
“OK, It’s Alright With Me,” by Eric Hutchinson

John Mayer’s “Daughters,” selected by Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson

Crystal Bowersox’s pick:
“Come to My Window,” by Melissa Etheridge

Paul McCartney’s early 70s hit, “Maybe I’m Amazed” — selected by Ellen DeGeneres

Lee Dewyze’s Pick:
“Simple Man,” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” selected by Simon Cowell