Steven Tyler Leaving 'American Idol'

Steven Tyler is leaving "American Idol." Fox and the Aerosmith rocker made the announcement in a press statement.

“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."

Tyler joined the Fox singing competition during Season 10, serving alongside veteran judge Randy Jackson and Jennifer Lopez for Seasons 10 and 11. Lopez has recently told members of the press that she is unsure of her future with "Idol."

"I've enjoyed it so much, but I am thinking it's maybe time for me to go and do other things I really love to do like films ... and performing," Lopez said on "Today." "I know everybody wants that definite ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ and ... all I can let you in on is my own thought process with it, because that’s where I truly am."

So far there has been no concrete word on Lopez and Jackson's involvement with "American Idol" for Season 12.

"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," Simon Fuller, creator and executive producer of "American Idol," said in a statement. "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!”

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