Steven Tyler announces he will not return as 'American Idol' judge

Steven Tyler has left American Idol.


Tyler, who joined American Idol's judging panel two seasons ago, has announced he has decided not to return for next year's twelfth season of the Fox reality singing competition.

"After some long... hard... thoughts... I've decided it's time for me to let go of my mistress American Idol before she boils my rabbit," the Aerosmith frontman said in a Fatal Attraction-referencing statement released by Fox late Thursday afternoon.

"I strayed from my first love, Aerosmith, and I'm back -- but instead of begging on my hands and knees, I've got two fists in the air and I'm kicking the door open with my band. The next few years are going to be dedicated to kicking some serious ass -- the ultimate in auditory takeover," he continued.

"Idol was over-the-top fun, and I loved every minute of it -- Now it's time to bring Rock Back."


Aerosmith is set to release "Music from Another Dimension," the rock band's first new studio album in eight years, on November 6.

Fox and American Idol producers also each released statements thanking Tyler for his contributions to the show.

"It's been a tremendous honor to have Steven -- one of the most prolific artists in the world -- on American Idol for the past two seasons," Fox reality chief Mike Darnell said.  "He's been a terrific judge, a true friend and great mentor to everyone involved with the show, and we know he'll continue to be a huge inspiration to Idol hopefuls for years to come. We are very sad that Steven has chosen to focus more on his music, but we always knew when we hired a rock 'n' roll legend, he would go back to the music.  We all wish him all the best and would love to have him back on the show anytime."

"Steven Tyler is a real 'Idol,' a rock legend. If you had told me 10 years ago he would be a judge on American Idol, I would have thought it impossible," Idol creator and executive producer Simon Fuller added. "The fact that this became a reality and we had the pleasure of him gracing our stage for two seasons makes me very proud. I completely understand his desire to get back to his life as the singer in America's greatest-ever rock band. American Idol will miss him!"

Tyler made his announcement only hours after Jennifer Lopez -- who also joined American Idol's judging panel two seasons ago -- said she is still unsure whether she will return for another season.


"I'm thinking that maybe it's time for me to go and do other things that I really love to do, like films. And right now, I'm on tour and performing -- and all the things that I do. So this has been a great journey, but at the same time -- but then again, I really love the show! So all I can tell you is what I'm thinking," Lopez told Today show news anchor Natalie Morales during a Thursday morning interview.






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