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!

Some of the rumored names have been around before: Elton John, Harry Connick Jr., but the big new name that is being tossed around is JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE!

Yes, Justin’s people are calling this rumor “silly” for now, but we’ve heard about silly rumors that have definitely come true with Idol before.

And I think I’d be for Justin joining.  Of course, he’s a great performer, and he has a great sense of humor too.  Remember all of his “Saturday Night Live” appearances?  Good stuff…

Learn more about the 2011 Ford Fiesta at www.fordfiestabigdeal.com

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!

Did anyone else see this one coming?  SNL will have to bring back Rachael Dratch to play Elena Kagen in future skits?   She would be PERFECT!

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.

Hard to beleive it’s been one year since the passing of Michael Jackson.

Do you remember where you were when you heard the news?

I was covering Opening Ceremoines at Summerfest listening to officals at the podium when my phone started buzzing. It was a text message about the death of Michael.

Though I never had the chance to interview Michael, I did interview those who worked closely with him.

Like…

Orianthi - She was slated to be the guitarist for Michael Jackson on the, “This Is It” Tour.

Ken Ehrlich - He was the Executive Producer of the 52nd Grammy Awards and had talked to Michael about perfroming on the show. Instead a 3D Tribute was produced for the telecast.

Like I said I was covering Opening Ceremonies at Summerfest when I heard the news. Who better to get reaction from than the artists themselves. Gavin DeGraw, Pat Monahan from Train and others shared their thought about the late Michael Jackson.

Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us what Michael Jackson songs you’d like to hear on Friday, June 25th, 2010.

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

Check out this guy’s entry for Oprah’s search for the next TV star!

If you want to enter Oprah’s contest, click here