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Steven Tyler is leaving "American Idol"

Steven Tyler arrives at Fox's "American Idol" finalist party on March 1, 2012, in Los Angeles. Getty

(CBS News) Steven Tyler is departing his post as a judge on "American Idol."

The Aerosmith frontman made the announcement about his exit in a statement released Thursday, according to TVLine.

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"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," Tyler said in the statement. "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."

He added, "On Nov. 6, we are unleashing our new album, 'Music from Another Dimension' on the Earth, Moon, Mars, and way beyond the stars. 'Idol' was over-the-top fun, and I loved every minute of it. Now it's time to bring Rock Back. ERMAHGERD."

There's no word yet on who will replace him. "Idol" runner-up Adam Lambert denied a recent report that he was in talks to join the judging panel, while executive producer Nigel Lythgoe, perhaps jokingly, told TMZ he wants Charlie Sheen and Jerry Lewis.

Tyler joined the "Idol" judges' panel in 2010, along with singer/actress Jennifer Lopez. She too has hinted that she may not return for the show's 12th season, most recently during an appearance Thursday on the "Today" show.

"The truth is ... I've enjoyed it so much, but I am thinking it's maybe time for me to go and do other things I really love to do like films ... and performing," she said, according to TVGuide.com. "This has been a great journey, but then again I love the show so... all I can tell you is what I'm thinking."

Tell us: Will you miss Tyler on "American Idol"?

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