So, with news earlier this week that Idol producers wanted to overhaul the entire judges panel, how was Randy Jackson safe?

Some might say that he is the last link to the original cast, and a halfway decent judge on top of it.  But, it’s more than just fondness for our Idol “DAWG” that’s keeping Randy on the judges panel; it’s MONEY.

Ellen had an option for only a year on the show, and Kara’s contract with Idol was up.  Randy had one more year on his deal, and if Fox would have to pay him anyway.  (And no one likes paying someone NOT to work.)

As for the new panel, we’ll see how that all works out soon enough; the new judges will be in Milwaukee sometime in August taping the audition process again.  For our sake, let’s at least hope the new panel brings some excitement, so that the year Milwaukee FINALLY gets an audition isn’t the WORST year on ratings record!

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.

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

Maybe we will, maybe we won’t.  But without Simon we will miss one important thing: knowledge of the outcome before it even happens.

Simon has had a nearly perfect record in picking the Idol winner each year.  Even this year, when Crystal clearly outperformed Lee in their last performances Tuesday night, he was able to see the momentum Lee was carrying, and called the competition for him in interviews on Tuesday night.

Yes, we’ll miss the black t-shirts, the snarky comments, and the sparring with Seacrest that Simon brought to the competition.  But more importantly, we’ll miss the knowledge that he brought.  Simon could feel the pulse of American during “Idol,” and he wasn’t afraid to say it.

We’ll all be interested to see how Simon’s new show, “The X Factor,” does when it arrives on Fox in 2011.  And if he still has his crystal ball on that show in correctly predicting the outcome, we’ll realize what a talented individual Simon Cowell was…even if he was a little snarky from time to time.

So long Simon; thanks for all of the great TV memories, and hats off to you for ALWAYS feeling the pulse of America even before we felt it ourselves.

Last year I was in LA for the American Idol Finale where I was hanging out with our very own Danny Gokey.   Check out the video our time and LA and see what the red carpet looks like before ALL the stars show up.  Who do you think will win tonight?

Watch American Idol Tuesday and Wednesday nights on Fox6

On Tuesday, the Top 8 female semifinalists – Didi Benami, Crystal Bowersox, Lacey Brown, Katelyn Epperly, Siobhan Magnus, Paige Miles, Lilly Scott, and Katie Stevens – performed live.

What did the girls sing? What did the judges say?

Listen now…click here. 

On Wednesday, the Top 8 male semifinalists – Lee Dewyze, Andrew Garcia, Todrick Hall, Casey James, Aaron Kelly, Alex Lambert, Michael Lynche, and Tim Urban took the stage. 

What did the guys sing? What did the judges say?

Listen now…click here.

Tonight, Season Eight finalists Scott MacIntyre and Matt Giraud perform the Billy Joel classic hit “Tell Her About It” and to find out which two guys and two girls will be eliminated as the Top 12 finalists are revealed on the live results show.

For even more visit www.AmericanIdol.com

Click on the player to hear what the guys performed and what the judges had to say about it.

Lee Dewyze
(‘Fireflies’, Owl City)

Alex Lambert
(‘Trouble’, Ray Lamontagne)

Tim Urban
(‘Hallelujah’, Jeff Buckley)

Andrew Garcia
(‘Genie In A Bottle’, Christina Aguilera)

Casey James
(‘You’ll Think Of Me’, Keith Urban)

 
Aaron Kelly
(‘I’m Already There’, Westlife)

Todrick Hall
(‘Somebody To Love’, Queen)

Michael Lynche
(‘This Woman’s Work’, Maxwell)

Click on the player to hear the ladies performed and what the judges had to say about it.

Katie Stevens
(‘Breakaway’, Kelly Clarkson)

Siobhan Magnus
(‘House Of The Rising Sun’, The Animals)

Lacey Brown
(‘The Story’, Brandi Carlile)

Katelyn Epperly
(‘I Feel The Earth Move’, Carole King)

Didi Benami
(‘Rihannon’, Fleetwood Mac)

Paige Miles
(‘Smile’, Charlie Chaplin)

Crystal Bowersox
(‘Give Me One Reason’ Tracy Chapman)

Lilly Scott
(‘I Fall To Peices’ – Patsy Cline)

Taylor Hicks stopped by to tell us all about his appearance in “Grease” at the Marcus Center this week.  Find out more about the show here, and take a look at what Taylor had to say while he was in the Mix studios:

Taylor fills us in on what it’s like being part of an iconic musical like “Grease”

So, how has stardom changed his personal life?

And does he still keep up with American Idol now that he’s on the road?

imgae: sirius radio

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