Steven Tyler announces American Idol exit: 'I strayed from Aerosmith'
Published Jul 12 2012, 21:58 BST | By Paul Martinovic
Steven Tyler has announced that he is to leave American Idol.The judge revealed that he is stepping down from the Fox reality show to concentrate on his work with Aerosmith.
© Fox
© Fox / Michael Becker
In an official statement, Tyler said: "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.
"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.
"Idol was over-the-top fun, and I loved every minute of it... Now it's time to bring rock back."
© Fox / Michael Becker
Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment at the Fox Network, paid tribute to Tyler, saying: "It's been a tremendous honour to have Steven - one of the most prolific artists in the world - on American Idol for the past two seasons.
"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."
Idol creator Simon Fuller echoed the sentiment, adding: "If you had told me ten years ago he would be a judge on American Idol, I would have thought it impossible.
"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."
© Fox / Michael Becker
Tyler made his debut appearance as a judge on American Idol on January 19, 2011, during the show's tenth season premiere.
Aerosmith debuted 'Legendary Child' - their lead single from new album Music From Another Dimension! - on the season finale of American Idol in May.
Music From Another Dimension! is released on November 6.
The news comes shortly after fellow judge Jennifer Lopez announced that she is "torn" over whether to leave the show after her upcoming summer tour.
Miley Cyrus and Katy Perry have both been linked with judging spots on the show, although the Part of Me singer later ruled herself out of the running.
Watch Steven Tyler discuss American Idol below:
Loved him on Idol, he was sweet and fun. He did look a bit bored on his second season, though. I'll miss him and his outfits!
July 13th 2012 at 10:53am(+1 like)
Yeah, i thought he looked bored, especially in the later live shows.
I've really the enjoyed JLo and Stephen as judges, i like that they all generally get along well. I don't watch Idol to see the judges fight for the sake of 'good TV' and ratings like some of the other shows. (Another reason i love Got To Dance, those judges get along great and it's awesome to see)
Interested to see who they'll have next season!
July 13th 2012 at 3:20pm(+1 like)
i loved steven on idol, it's gonna be sad next year with him gone, but hopefully this paves the way for adam lambert to consider joining the panel now.
and US X Factor is unwatchable to me. simon cowell is very unwatchable to me now, ripping off Simon Fuller for like the billionth time. from what i have seen over the last two years, it's clear that Idol actually cares about finding talent that LASTS.
July 13th 2012 at 10:44am(+1 like)
Because everyone knows that Cowell is only interested in what he can earn from the singers on any of his shows. Once that wanes he gets shot of them. He must be gutted seeing Will Young doing so well he made it clear he wanted Gareth Gates to win on the original Pop Idol.
July 13th 2012 at 3:09pm(+2 likes)
I like him as an artist but he wasn't a good judge. Id like them to try and get someone younger for the other two places.
July 13th 2012 at 5:57am
whatever, the american idol judges are painfully dull compared to the X Factors roster. J'lo is a painfully unlikeable diva. and im AMAZED they let "yo dog hows it doggin dog" stay on the show this long when he was always the most bland irrelevant judge when simon and paula were still there.
X-Factor with awesome Demi, biggest star in the world Britney and always entertaining Simon is gonna be incredible entertainment. I dont even like reality singing shows but am gonna have to tune in solely for the great judges
July 13th 2012 at 12:49am(+1 like)
Yesssss! i think he's an awesome guy, and so cool. But a judge he really isn't.
July 12th 2012 at 10:43pm(+2 likes)