Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez Leave American Idol; Ten Musical Celebs Fit to Fill Their Seats

News broke just before the weekend that rock 'n' roll legend Steven Tyler and everyone's favorite Latina big-booty superstar, JLo, will both be abdicating their pop-royalty thrones on American Idol.

Part of the Idol family since 2011, Tyler said in a news release that he was returning to his first love: Aerosmith. Back with the band, he'll be releasing a new album, Music From Another Dimension, in November. "Idol was over the top fun, and I loved every minute of it," Tyler admitted in the release, adding, "Now it's time to bring Rock Back. ERMAHGERD." OMG indeed, Stevie.

Tyler's Idol counterpart, Jennifer Lopez, also decided to part ways with the show. In an on-air broadcast with tiny Ryan Seacrest -- which you can listen to here -- Lopez told her "dear friend" that "something has to give, and I think that's where I am right now." Yeah, Jen, those people at Fiat sure have you by the cheeks.

Amid speculation of who will fill the giant seats (and egos) of these dearly departed, we present our own list of ten guys and gals we'd love to see grace the Idol panel.


10. Mariah Carey
If there's one ass that can fill the seat Lopez left empty, it'd be Mariah's. Though Nick Cannon said Idol can't afford the new mom, we still have hope that the '90s bombshell will become a judge. It'd be a sweet, sweet fantasy come true.

9. Carrie Underwood
If there were a former contestant fit to return to the Idol stage, Carrie Underwood'd be it. This lil country mama started by charming Simon but has since conquered the world of pop music with pure American talent.