Steven Tyler Leaves American Idol Officially
"American Idol" judge Steven Tyler released a statement that he will no longer be on the hit television show.
Tyler announced that he will return to make music with his band Aerosmith and has already made plans to release an upcoming album in November, according to a statement released by Fox on American Idol's website today.
"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," Tyler said in a statement. "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. On Nov. 6, we are unleashing our new album, Music from Another Dimension on the Earth, Moon, Mars, and way beyond the stars'...Idol was over-the-top fun, and I loved every minute of it...Now it's time to bring Rock Back. ERMAHGERD."
Mike Darnell, president of Alternative Entertainment for Fox, said the following in a statement: "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. 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."
Tyler's exit comes the very same day Jennifer Lopez appeared on the "Today" show and confirmed earlier reports that she is uncertain if she will resume her judging duties for another season.
"Maybe it's time for me to go," she told the Today show. "It's been on my mind a lot, as you can imagine. And now it's like, do we continue on this journey? I've loved it so much. I enjoy the show so much...It's a tough decision either way."
Lopez has addressed her rumored departure on her Twitter account. In may she wrote: "There is no truth to reports that say I am definitely leaving Idol. All I said was I haven't decided what I am doing next year. #mediaremix."
She later followed up with another Tweet: "When I know for sure what I'm doing I will let the #LOVE!RS know!"
E! News first reported that Idol has been looking to shake up its entire judging panel, with Adam Lambert, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry to replace Tyler and possibly Lopez and Randy Jackson.
