It's official: Fox announced today that American Idol judge Steven Tyler is leaving the series next season, citing his desire to return to music as the reasoning behind his decision. From a Fox press release on the matter, Tyler is quoted as having said: "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."
Also, he apparently said this: "Now it’s time to bring Rock Back. ERMAHGERD." Um, OK, Steven Tyler. You do that.
This news comes in addition to earlier reports that Jennifer Lopez is planning on leaving the series as well, telling the Today show that "it's time."
Randy Jackson, on the other hand, will never be leaving. Ever.
[via Vulture]