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?

My first 5k run!!! Last night I ran the “Storm the Bastille” at Bastille Days in Cathedral Square.   I talked to organizers today that estimate between 7,000-10,000 who took part in the run.  It truly was one of the coolest things I have ever seen as we ran through the empty downtown streets of Milwaukee last night.

And for more Bastille Days fun, get connected to their (PDF) schedule here.

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!

As President and CEO Don Smiley was at the podium speaking to the crowd, out came Windell Middlebrooks, the Miller High-Life delivery guy from the TV commericals. He had a hand truck full of Miller High Life, which was passed out to the crowd for a Summerfest toast.

Thanks for the free beer Windell.

What a way to kick off the 43rd edition of Summerfest!

Take a look at the Opening Ceremony below!

For complete Summerfest coverage, including how to get in FREE… Click here.

There are a ton of different ways to save yourself some $$$ and get into Summerfest for FREE! But you gotta know whats going on, that’s why I’m here. The following is a list of all the Admission Promotions that Summerfest offers.

Please know that all promotions, unless otherwise stated, will take place at the Mid-Gate promotions tent located across the street from the Summerfest Mid-Gate. All Admission Promotions start at Noon and run while ticket supplies last OR through 3:00 pm, whichever comes first, unless otherwise noted.

Ready for the madness? Here we go…

Thursday, June 24 is Johnson Controls Stomp Out Hunger Day with FOX 6. All patrons arriving between Noon and 3:00 pm who donate three (3) non-perishable food items will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket! Donations will be accepted at the Mid-Gate promotions tent as well as the North Gate. All donations will benefit the Hunger Task Force.

Thursday, June 24 is Miller High Life – Give a Veteran a Piece of the High Life Day from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. The first 2,000 patrons, 21 and older, who bring six (6) Miller High Life or Miller High Life Light bottle caps will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket! Visit Millerhighlife.com for details on the National “Give a Veteran a Piece of the High Life” Program.

Friday, June 25 is Cedar Crest “Flip Your Lid at Summerfest” Day from Noon – 3:00 pm or while supplies last. The first 1,500 patrons will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket at the Mid-Gate promotions tent when they turn in a lid and receipt dated June 1 – June 25, for the purchase of one (1) 48 oz. Cedar Crest ice cream. No copies or handwritten receipts will be accepted.

On Friday, June 25, the first 5,000 patrons will receive two (2) U.S. Cellular®/Summerfest Gadget Grips with a special accessory offer compliments of U.S. Cellular® and Summerfest. The giveaway starts at 5:00 pm while supplies last.

Saturday, June 26 is Goodwill Industries Day from Noon – 3:00 pm or while supplies last. The first 1,500 patrons who make a donation to a Goodwill Store & Donation Center between June 1 – June 26, 2010 and bring in their original donation receipt will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket. One (1) admission ticket per person for each donation receipt. Only original receipts received at a Goodwill Store & Donation Center dated June 1 – June 26, 2010 will be accepted.

On Saturday, June 26, the first 5,000 patrons will receive one (1) $15 Marcus Restaurant Group Gift Card redeemable at Mason Street Grill, Kil@wat and Milwaukee Chophouse. The giveaway starts at 5:00 pm while supplies last.

Sunday, June 27 is Jockey Family Day from Noon – 3:00 pm or while supplies last. The first 1,000 patrons contributing $10 or more to the Debra Steigerwaldt Waller Foundation will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket and a Jockey Being Family® Bear.

Sunday, June 27 is Scout Day from Noon – 3:00 pm. All Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast in uniform will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket at the South Gate promotion booth and will enjoy a scout scavenger hunt.

Monday, June 28 is Sentry Foods and Dean’s Milk & Ice Cream Children’s Fest Day with TODAY’S TMJ4. All patrons arriving between Noon and 3:00 pm will be admitted FREE! Spend a fun-filled day with the family enjoying free Children’s Fest activities including the Map of Fun and Family Ticket Package giveaways. Select food vendors will offer discounts on food & beverage items.

On Monday, June 28, the first 5,000 patrons will receive one (1) Free Chips and Guacamole Card compliments of Chipotle Mexican Grill and Summerfest. Offer not valid on the Summerfest grounds. The giveaway starts at Noon while supplies last.

Tuesday, June 29 is Kapco’s 2 Buck Tuesday at Summerfest from Noon – 6:30 pm. All Patrons attending Summerfest on Tuesday, June 29 between Noon and 6:30 pm can purchase an admission ticket for only $2 compliments of Kapco! Purchase tickets now at Summerfest.com.

Wednesday, June 30 is Klement’s Day from Noon – 3:00 pm or while supplies last. The first 1,500 patrons will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket at the Mid-Gate promotions tent when they provide a Klement’s product label (8 oz. or larger) and a non-perishable food item. Donations benefit the Milwaukee Rescue Mission.

Wednesday, June 30 is Milwaukee Journal Sentinel “Show Your Smile” Day from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. All patrons who arrive at the Summerfest Mid-Gate between 4:00 – 7:00 pm wearing a shirt with the “Show Your Smile” iron-on and present the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel coupon will receive $7 off their $15 admission. Patrons who present only the coupon between 4:00 – 7:00 pm, but are not wearing the “Show Your Smile” iron-on will receive $5 off their $15 admission compliments of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Both the coupon and the “Show Your Smile” iron-on are available in the Sunday, June 20, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Be spotted wearing the “Show Your Smile” iron-on, on your shirt June 30 and win great prizes.

Thursday, July 1 is Northwestern Mutual “Make a Child Smile Day” from Noon – 3:00 pm or while supplies last. The first 1,500 patrons who donate any new, indoor children’s toy, art supplies or children’s G or PG rated DVD movie with a $5 minimum value will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket. All items collected will be used throughout the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin system. All items must be new with original tags attached and/or original packaging.

Thursday, July 1 is H.O.G.® Day from Noon – 3:00 pm. Patrons will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket when presenting a valid H.O.G.® (Harley Owners Group®) card at the tent located on the northwest corner of Chicago Street and Harbor Drive. One admission ticket per card. NEW this year: H.O.G.® members will have exclusive access to the Harley-Davidson Hospitality Deck located at the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse Stage between the hours of 4:00 – 9:00 pm on July 1. Limited space; first come, first served. Once the deck reaches capacity, access will be on a “one out, one in” basis.

Friday, July 2 is Malt-O-Meal Day from Noon – 3:00 pm or while supplies last. The first 1,500 patrons will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket when presenting an original receipt from any Wisconsin grocer that specifies the purchase of any two (2) Malt-O-Meal Bag Cereals 10 oz. or larger. Receipt must be dated between June 24 and July 2, 2010. No copies or handwritten receipts will be accepted. To find the store nearest you go to Maltomeal.com.

Saturday, July 3 is CBS 58 Milwaukee / MDA Day from Noon – 3:00 pm or while supplies last. The first 1,500 patrons contributing $10 or more to the Muscular Dystrophy Association will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket.

Sunday, July 4 is Summerfest “Free ‘til Three Day” from Noon – 3:00 pm. All patrons attending Summerfest on the final Sunday (July 4) will be admitted for FREE…compliments of Summerfest!

Whew! There you go. All the different ways you can into Summerfest for free. Now you can use all that money you saved for more…(beer, sour cream & chive fries, corn, whatever!) :)

Be safe, drink lots of water and we’ll see you at Summerfest, The World’s Largest Music Festival!

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