Steven Tyler Calls ‘Idol’ Deal a ‘Work In Progress’

Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler discussed the possibility of joining “American Idol” as a judge next season — and what kind of judge he would be — during an interview Monday (Aug. 2) with syndicated radio show “Kid Kraddick in the Morning.”

“This beautiful girl from Fox came up to me and made an offer. I honored her offer… and it’s just a work in progress,” said Tyler. “They mentioned it and I listened, and we’re on tour, so I gotta give it some time.”

When asked how he’d judge contestants on “American Idol,” Tyler said, “I would be honest to the ones that think they have it, and I would be truthful in the sense that if, to those that have it, they don’t have it yet enough. And I would tell them exactly why, as I see it.”

Tyler’s radio interview follows his Saturday night appearance at an after-party at MGM Grand’s Studio 54 in Las Vegas, where People’s TV Watch reported that the rocker said he’ll “probably” be a judge next season.

While Tyler continues to fuel fervent speculation, Fox remains tightlipped. At today’s Television Critics Association press tour, network entertainment chairman Peter Rice said there were no signed deals with any new judges, nor has Nigel Lythgoe signed on to return as executive producer. Rice also declined to address the status of current “Idol” judge Kara DioGuardi, who is rumored to be leaving the show, and added that Fox will make its announcement when a panel is in place for the “Idol” audition rounds with judges in mid-September.

Tyler is one of several stars rumored to replace Simon Cowell and Ellen DeGeneres, who made a surprise announcement last week that she’d be leaving “Idol.” Other stars reportedly up for the job are Jennifer Lopez, Chris Isaak and Jessica Simpson, among others.

Source: Billboard