Although The Wrap is reporting that rock legend Steven Tyler was dumped from American Idol, sources close to the RumorFix tell us it was Tyler’s choice.
“People like Steven Tyler don’t get fired,” our source says. The Aerosmith frontman agonized over the decision for months, but ultimately chose Aerosmith.
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On Thursday, Steven’s rep released this statement to RumorFix, “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 got two fists in the air and I’m kicking the door open with my band.”
It’s no secret that when Steven joined Idol two years ago, the band had broken up — and Aerosmith was looking for his replacement, reportedly interviewing Chris Cornell, Paul Rodgers and Billy Idol.
But, because of Steven’s new TV gig, Aerosmith record sales surged by 219 percent and the band agreed to reunite.
The album, Music from Another Dimension, is set for release in November and sources at Sony says “it’s our highest priority.”
Because of the rigorous Idol schedule, the 64-year-old rocker had to pick one over the other. Given the age of the band members and that they’ve been together for over 40 years its safe to assume that this will be the last studio album of their careers.
“He loved Idol -- especially being right in the middle of pop culture,” our source says.
Jennifer Lopez has also announced she’s leaving the show, Randy Jackson is rumored to become a mentor.
Candidates for the gig reportedly include: Mariah Carey, Kanye West, Mary J. Blige, Charlie Sheen and Jerry Lewis. And on Sunday, Aretha Franklin told Reuters she’d like to be considered for the job.
