Steven Tyler says he is leaving 'American Idol' so he can return to Aerosmith.
"After some long and hard thoughts, I've decided it's time for me to let go of my mistress 'American Idol' before she boils my rabbit," Tyler says 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 November 6, we are unleashing our new album. Idol was over-the-top fun, and I loved every minute of it. Now it's time to bring rock back."
Simon Fuller, 'Idol' creator and executive producer, says: "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."
"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!"
Meanwhile, Jennifer Lopez [photos] hinted earlier on Thursday that she too might be leaving the singing competition.
"Little by little I'm making up my mind," said the 42-year-old. "I love everybody, I love the guys, but I am thinking it's time for me to go and do other things I love to do like films."
"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."
Steven Tyler says he is leaving 'American Idol' so he can return to Aerosmith.
