After months of speculation, US network Fox has confirmed Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler as the new judge for their forthcoming American Idol series.
Tyler will join fellow new judge Jennifer Lopez on the show, and in a press conference, spoke of his excitement at his new venture. “It’s being a part of something much bigger than yourself,” he said. “I want to bring some rock to this roller coaster and show you that if you got the heart, you got the talent and you got the feeling to do this, you could be the next American Idol.”
News of Tyler’s potential appointment first surfaced back in August when he discussed his options with journalists at an after-show party. At the time, Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry outlined his dismay at the possibility of Tyler being involved in the new season, saying: “There was a party at Studio 54 after the Vegas show, which none of us in the band knew anything about, and Steven said some stuff there. After working with me for 40 years, he couldn’t tell me about this? Why so secretive? We’re told it’s a done deal. If Steven is committed to a TV show, that kind of affects the rest of us.”
The new series of American Idol will be launched in January.