Steven Tyler Officially Leaving ‘American Idol’

Becky Bain | July 12, 2012 1:58 pm

First Jennifer Lopez more or less announced her departure from American Idol, and now Steven Tyler is following suit. “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,” wrote the rocker in an official statement. Head below to the rest of his flowery, nonsensical explanation of why he’s leaving the show. 

Tyler continues: “I strayed from my first love, AEROSMITH, and I’m back — but instead of begging on my hands and knees, I 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.”

“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,” said Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. “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.”

Both Tyler and Lopez served as a judge on the 10th and 11th seasons of the Fox show. Currently, there’s no word on whether Randy Jackson, who has been a judge on the show since the beginning, will be back for Season 12 or not.

Willing participant Adam Lambert‘s chances of becoming an Idol judge seem better and better now that two slots of opened up, no?

Who do you think should become a judge on American Idol? Let us know what you think on Facebook, Twitter, or in the comments below.