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Steven Tyler 'Will Be Judge' on Next 'American Idol,' Says Bandmate

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Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton has confirmed that Steven Tyler will be be occupying a judge's seat on the next season of 'American Idol'.

Although the show's producers won't make an official announcement until next month, Hamilton let the cat out of the bag when speaking to the Newark's Star Ledger newspaper. He said, "Steven is doing 'American Idol'. The ink is dry on that."

The bassist has no doubts the public will take to the singer in his new role, "Steven is someone who absolutely lives to be in front of an audience, and the people closest to him know how witty and entertaining he can be. I don't know if 'American Idol' will be rock 'n' roll enough for him, but it is an opportunity for millions of people to see another side of Steven Tyler."

How Tyler's new role will affect Aerosmith is Hamilton's only concern, "We'll have to work around his schedule for a new record. I hope it doesn't hurt the new momentum we've built up on this tour, because that's been so important for us as a band. But I wouldn't want to be the one standing in the way of this for him."

With Aerosmith's touring commitments ending on September 16, Tyler would be available in time to participate in the 'American Idol' auditions.

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Jolene

I would like to see either Paul Stanley or Gene Simmons of Kiss to be judges, that's when they have time from touring and going back in the studio to make another album. Gene found VanHalen and helped them get their start.

September 27 2010 at 6:57 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Ronnie

I like Aerosmith's music from the 80's,but I don't know about Tyler as a judge on "Idol".This should be interesting.

September 21 2010 at 10:35 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Chester

To all these people who think Steven Tyler will make a bad judge: When you can consistantly sell as many albums as Steven Tyler & Aerosmith have for the past 40 years then, we'll talk

September 19 2010 at 1:16 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
warren

I mean madonna did the marriage reff i dont see why she couldnt be a judge on idol with tyler it would be very fresh and it would be a huge hit. Shes not doing anything this could be a promising career move for her.

September 10 2010 at 10:36 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
rhonda

Love Tyler!! Crazy wild but Talented! Will bring a rocker edge to show. Some of the past winners didn't fit anywhere to me. Hopefully he can fix that! No one can replace Simon...but Tyler is great!!!!

August 31 2010 at 7:44 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
JEN

UGH - I'll watch but I could think of a lot of people who i would rather see in that chair - ADAM LAMBERT for one. He has the most amazing voice and stage presence and knows talent when he see/hears it. I just attended a sold out concert for him and would LOVE to see him again but then again, because he's starting out his career - better he tend to important things.
Hopefully America gets it right this year no matter who the judge is. For the last two years American stunk.

August 27 2010 at 12:44 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
kym

I think he is an awesome pick for a judge. He obviously has more talent and longevity and expertise than pretty much anyone out there. He's definitely interesting. Kara annoyed me and bored me to tears. I love Ellen, but she wasn't cut out to tell anyone no. I wish they would replace Randy, too. I wouldn't miss him at all. Simon was really the only one that told it like it is, which I think Steve Tyler will do. I think Shania Twain was awesome and Gene Simmons would be great as well.

August 25 2010 at 7:26 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Homer

RE: The phonies who say they're 'above' AI

Give us all a break.. and take your phony purist, elitist "authenticism" and go back to spinning those 45's down in the basement. American Idol .. is a 'venue' a 'different kind of venue' for sure.., but a 'venue' nevertheless. Talent is talent.. and any opportunity that an 'artist' encounters to display their talent is all good. We no longer live in the dark ages. Speak to any 'real' icon and they regard "Idol" as a 'good thing. Artificial elitism has no place in the music 'business.' Otherwise, we'd all be banging' rocks together in the solitude of our singular existence. (Hmm.. set THAT to music and you've got a hit)

August 25 2010 at 5:05 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
doug

Worst move ever,watch this show take a nosedive,you heard it here.

August 25 2010 at 4:06 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Martha

I will watch American Idol if Steven Tyler is going to be a judge. He is an amazing entertainer/musician. He does NOT have a face for radio. What a bunch of mean-spirited a$$holes making that comment. He's 60 something years old and can still rock and roll. What do you want from the man? That dirtbag Perry pushed him off the stage last week into the crowd at a concert. Maybe it's good if Steven gets away from him for a while.

August 24 2010 at 9:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply