It’s official – Steven Tyler will not be returning to the judging table for the next season of American Idol. The lead singer of Aerosmith confirmed today that he won’t be back for the show’s 12th season because he feels like he has ‘strayed too far’ from his band. This comes right after Jennifer Lopez told the Today Show that she was unsure if she would be returning to the judges table next season. In a statement Steven said that;

“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.”
“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.”

Wow this is quite the shake up for American Idol if JLo chooses not to return. Especially now with rival show X-Factor having both Britney Spears and Demi Lovato, American Idol is going to be on the hunt for some serious talent to round out their judges table. Names such as Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus and Nicki Minaj have been thrown out as possible replacements as well as American Idol alum Adam Lambert. Who do you think would make a good judge?

Photo by Juan Rico/FameFlynet Pictures