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It’s been quite the devastating day for fans of American Idol. Earlier today we reported that Jennifer Lopez said she’s all but decided she’s packing her bags and leaving her judging gig on the the singing competition, and now Steven Tyler has issued an official statement stating that he will be leaving the show as well. “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,” said the Aerosmith singer. “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.  The next few years are going to be dedicated to kicking some serious ass–the ultimate in auditory takeover… On Nov 6, we are unleashing our new album, Music from Another Dimension on the Earth, Moon, Mars, and way beyond the stars…’Idol’ was over the top fun, and I loved every minute of it…Now it’s time to bring Rock Back. ERMAHGERD.”

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Idol creator and executive producer Simon Fuller chimed in, praising Tyler’s work on the show. “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,” Fuller said. “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!”
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As Tyler noted in his statement, Aerosmith will release its first album in eight years, Music From Another Dimension, on November 6th.