Steven Tyler has confirmed in a statement that he is leaving American Idol. The question is: Did he resign or get fired? Fox gives hints in its press release.

"Idol was over-the-top fun, and I loved every minute of it...Now it's time to bring rock back," the Aerosmith frontman said in statement published by Billboard.

Tyler said his true passion is rock music, but he somehow wound up having an affair with Idol.

"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," he said.

Tyler closed his statement with this:

"Now it's time to bring Rock Back. ERMAHGERD."

In case you have not seen the memo, ERMAHGERD is the new OMG, or "Oh, my God."

Statement from Fox

The president of alternative entertainment for Fox has released a statement on Tyler's leaving. There are rumours that Tyler has been fired, but Fox is hinting otherwise.

"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... We are very sad that Steven has chosen to focus more on his music... We all wish him all the best and would love to have him back on the show anytime," Mike Darnell said in a statement.

Comments on Steven Tyler's Departure from American Idol

Here are comments rounded up from Twitter and Tumblr regarding Mr Tyler's latest announcement. Idol alums Pia Toscano and Colton Dixon also sounded-off on the news.

I'm gonna miss Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez on Idol. JLo wasn't a shock, and Steven's focused with Aerosmith. Happy Randy's still there, excited for the future :) - Tumblr user alikaheroes

So I read Steven Tyler is leaving AI. Thank god, He's a rock star not some dumb competition show judge. I say that not as a fan of ST or a hater of AI but simply as spectator of both. - Tumblr user tiannad92

Steven Tyler is leaving American Idol?!?!.... Someone please tell me it isn't true. He is the only reason why I just started watching this show!!!!!!!! - Tumblr user missmaxine91

Just learned two things. That Steven Tyler is leaving American Idol and that it hasn't been Paula Abdul this whole time. - Twitter @JustinWRoot

Will truly miss watching Steven Tyler on American Idol. It was a privilege & an honor to have the opportunity to sing b4 him. - Twitter ‏@PiaToscano (Pia Toscano is an American Idol Season 10 finalist)

Sad to see @IamStevenT go. He truly was a great judge, and helped me out in many ways. Thanks for everything! - Twitter @CDixonAI11 (Colton Dixon is an American Idol Season 11 finalist)

All new judges on American Idol Season 12?

Meanwhile, another judge is widely reported to be leaving the show.

Jennifer Lopez is also considering leaving the show to do other things in her career, reports Courier-Mail.

"All I can let you in on is my own thought process with it because that's where I truly am... I love everybody, I love all the guys on the show, I love the family that's there... but I am thinking it's time for me to go and do other things I love to do," Lopez said.

Twitter Billboard American Idol Jennifer Lopez