‘Steven Tyler is leaving American Idol’!!  Fox, which airs the singing competition, announced the news Thursday afternoon.

“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,” the flamboyant Tyler said in a news release.

“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. The next few years are going to be dedicated to kicking some serious ass — the ultimate in auditory takeover . . .”

Online speculation this week had focused on Jennifer Lopez leaving. She has been dropping hints in talk show appearances that she is also done with the Idol judging panel.

“It’s been a tremendous honor to have Steven — one of the most prolific artists in the world — on American Idol for the past two seasons,” said Mike Darnell, president of alternative entertainment for the Fox Broadcasting Co.

“He’s been a terrific judge, a true friend and great mentor to everyone involved with the show, and we know he’ll continue to be a huge inspiration to Idol hopefuls for years to come. We are very sad that Steven has chosen to focus more on his music, but we always knew when we hired a rock ’n’ roll legend, he would go back to the music. We all wish him all the best and would love to have him back on the show anytime.”

The guessing has already started about possible replacement judges. A recent report said that Adam Lambert, the Season 8 runner-up, was being considered as a judge.

Actor Charlie Sheen’s name has even been out there. Sheen said he’d take the job if the pay was right and FX, which airs his Anger Management sitcom, approved. from: toronto.com

Will you watch the show more/less with Steven gone? And, any ideas who might make a good replacement for him behind the judges table?