(NEW YORK) — All the talk lately has been about Jennifer Lopez leaving American Idol, but Steven Tyler has beat her to it. A statement from Fox confirms that Tyler is departing the show.
In a statement, Tyler says, "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,” said Tyler. “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."
Tyler went on to say that he's going to spend the next few years "kicking some serious ass — the ultimate in auditory takeover." He ends by plugging the new Aerosmith album, Music from Another Dimension, and adding, "Idol was over-the-top fun, and I loved every minute of it…Now it’s time to bring Rock Back.”
Idol creative and executive producer Simon Fuller said in a statement, "I completely understand [Steven's] desire to get back to his life as the singer in America's greatest-ever rock band. American Idol will miss him!”
Fox executive Mike Darnell, who was instrumental in securing Tyler for the show, added, "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.”
Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson are still judges on the show as of this moment, though J-Lo mused Thursday morning on NBC's Today show that it "may be time" for her to go.
Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio
