BREAKING… Steven Tyler has decided to leave his role as a judge on the Fox show. He just released this statement via the network: “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.”
Tyler arrived as a judge for the singing competition show for the 10th season, along with fellow new judge Jennifer Lopez, who also is deciding whether to return for Season 12 after signing a one-year contract at the time. But ratings on Idol have sagged since the departure of the judges they replaced — Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul — and even News Corp COO Chase Carey noticed the dip, telling Wall Street analysts in May that “our challenge for next year is to put some fresh energy in” the show after “we probably didn’t do enough this year” in terms of changes.
Related: ‘American Idol’ Posts Lowest-Rated Finale Ever
Said Fox President of Alternative Mike Darnell in Tyler’s departure announcement today: “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.”
Related: ‘American Idol’ To Undergo Creative Changes Next Season
(Photo: Getty Images)
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