Steven Tyler exits as judge of 'American Idol'

Steven Tyler, one of the judges in the popular singing talent show "American Idol" has announced Thursday he is leaving the TV show to rejoin his "Aerosmith" band and to focus on his own music.

Two years ago, Tyler took a break from his band to join Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson as judges for the 10th and 11th season of American Idol. Tyler, whose Aerosmith band is currently on a nationwide tour, said the band is coming up with a new album which is scheduled for release on November 6. "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," Tyler said in a statement posted on .seattlepi.com Company executives have praised Tyler for his valuable contribution to the show during his two-season stint as American Idol judge. “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,” stated Idol creator and executive producer Simon Fuller said in statement posted on americanidol.com “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!” Fuller added. No announcement has been made yet on the fate of judges Lopez and Jackson. But Lopez has hinted she may also leave American Idol, according to MTV.com. Likewise Jackson's stay as judge remains uncertain as several names have been floated as possible replacement. One of the names mentioned include former American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert. Other names mentioned were Nicki Minaj, Miley Cyrus and Katy Perry, among others. Ongoing changes in the show has been reported to have something to do with the drop in viewership during the past two years.