Steven Tyler Officially Quits American Idol

Steven Tyler of Aerosmith has officially announced his departure from the reality TV show after being on the judge panel for the past two seasons.

"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 expressed in a statement released Thursday (July 11)

"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."

Since Tyler signed up as a judge on American Idol two years, the rumor mill churned stories about the potential break up of the band Aerosmith and a false feud among the members.  

Tyler defended in an interview with The Times, "I have such an identity with this band. We've done a bunch of things. We certainly have been writing. I have a bunch of songs I've written for solo and/or Aerosmith.  What you hear in the press about 'American Idol' getting in the way of the band just isn't true. There's no validity to it."  

The rock band is releasing their newest album "Music From Another Dimension!" on Nov. 6 after an 8 year hiatus.  They have just released a new music video for their latest single.

Meanwhile, Jennifer Lopez continues to give unclear answers regarding her position on American Idol Season 12.  

Will American Idol replace all three judge seats to start afresh?  What do you think should happen?