STEVEN TYLER QUITS AMERICAN IDOL

After two seasons of steadily declining ratings, American Idol will be undergoing a major revamp next season. Steven Tyler announced his departure today (Thursday), heading back in the saddle as the frontman of Aerosmith. And Jennifer Lopez hinted during an interview on the Today show that she may follow Tyler out the door. Speculation quickly spread online that Randy Jackson may also be preparing to leave. Their departures would result in an entirely new judging panel for next season — and touched off instant speculation about who might replace them. In his statement, Tyler likened his two years on Idol to an affair. “I’ve decided it’s time for me to let go of my mistress American Idol before she boils my rabbit,” Tyler 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.” During her Today show interview Lopez indicated that producers of the show have been pressing her for a decision. “Everybody wants that definite yes or no. … But I am thinking that maybe it’s time for me to go and do other things that I really love to do,” she said. Last season, American Idol dipped to second place for the season, behind NBC’s Sunday Night Football, and was challenged strongly by NBC’s own talent contest, The Voice.