Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler Leave 'American Idol'

Just two years after reinventing the judges panel for American Idol, the producers will be doing it again. Yesterday, Steven Tyler announced he was exiting his position as a judge and just this morning, Jennifer Lopez has followed suit. Both performers were added to the singing reality show after Simon Cowell exited to concentrate on his new American version of X-Factor.

Lopez stated she had been delaying other projects due to her love for the Idol show, but now she wants to get those projects moving. Included in those plans are a concert tour with Enrique Iglesias, continuing to co-produce Q'Viva! with ex-husband, Marc Anthony, and developing a new hour-long scripted TV show for the ABC Family network. However, the singer/actress did say she would welcome working on the show in a more limited way.

As for Tyler, he is anxious to get back to his own music as the leader of the band, Aerosmith. Calling American Idol his "mistress" and saying he has "strayed" from his first love with the band, he enthusiastically dedicated himself to making music for the next few years and that includes the release of a new album on November 6.

The departures have producer Nigel Lythgoe looking at alternatives as the show proceeds, including having a panel of rotating judges. While the show has seen a ratings loss of 25% this season, it is still the best rated program on Fox.

As for the only original judge remaining, Randy Jackson, his future is uncertain.