Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez Leaving American Idol To Pursue Careers In Music

posted in: Latin • Music News • Pop

There have been big shakeups at the judges table on American Idol this week, as Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez have both announced their departures from the popular singing competition show.

There has been a great deal of speculation regarding the current batch of American Idol judges and their commitment to the show in recent weeks. Tyler was first to announce his plans to leave Idol on Thursday, beating Lopez to the punch by a matter of hours. In a statement regarding his exit, Tyler cited Aerosmith as “his first love,” and admitted his desire to return to making music with the band. “It’s time for me to let go of my mistress ‘American Idol’ before she boils my rabbit,” said Tyler, referencing an infamous scene from the 1987 film Fatal Attraction. Lopez’s statement regarding her exit was a bit less colorful then Tyler’s. “My time has come,” Lopez said to ex-coworker Ryan Seacrest on his radio show. Lopez’s schedule post-Idol is already packed, with a greatest hits collection and a world tour in the works.

It remains to be seen if even long time judge Randy Jackson will remain. In the wake of Tyler and Lopez’s departures, rumors have flown that Jackson’s exit may also be imminent. US Weekly quoted an unnamed source on the matter, who stated that, “[Show producers] think they need to freshen everything up now.” Any viewers concerned for the future of Idol shouldn’t fear, however. Back in April, host Seacrest reupped his contract with the show for another two years. Replacements for Tyler and Lopez are already being considered, as well. The pool of rumored judging candidates includes the likes of Mariah Carey (shades of Abdul!), Adam Lambert (fierce!), and Charlie Sheen (terrifying!).