Two years into the new millennium, Fox became the home for the reality singing competition juggernaut American Idol. Consisting of the host Ryan Seacrest and judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson, these four watched many auditions that brought potential artists into the spotlight.
It has been 20 years since the show graced millions of American TVs across the country, and it's impact and legacy remains. Ever since the ninth season, the original three judges would leave, starting with Abdul. Cowell left afterward to become the host for the American version of his own music competition show, The X Factor. Jackson stepped down as a judge after the 12th season, but stayed as a mentor until 2014 to pursue other projects.
The show continued on with having many celebrities joining to replace the original three judges, including Ellen DeGeneres and Katy Perry. When the 10th season arrived, an unlikely duo joined with Jackson and Seacrest to partake in auditions and performances.
The Hispanic-American songstress Jennifer Lopez was in a financial decline due to not getting enough film roles to do on top of her pitifully lackluster record sales, and this ended up benefiting her career. The next judge was none other than the legendary Steven Tyler from the iconic rock band Aerosmith. He had little to no contact with his bandmates and this urged him to sign on as a judge.
At a first glance, these two seem like the most out-of-nowhere duos working together, but that quickly changed when the two showed off their incredible chemistry. Both on and offscreen, they have a strong and evident friendship that won over the viewers. However, when Tyler announced that he would leave American Idol after the 12th season, Lopez followed suit rather quickly. What was it about Tyler that made her want to leave after his departure?
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It might not be love in first sight in reality, but when the two started working together, Tyler was just head over heels for the actress/singer. He jokingly stated to Extra TV that he was in love with Lopez and had the utmost respect for her. The Selena star reciprocated with, "He doesn't know this, but I am a huge fan." Tyler also praised the judge alumni Jackson, claiming that working with Lopez and Jackson seemingly was just perfect. He commented at how fun it would be working with the two, and throughout their time together, it was telling.
Lopez's own book, True Love, also went into great detail in her working relationship with the Aerosmith singer. He would greet her and wanted to know what she used for her makeup and hair routine.
She wrote, "He always wanted to know what makeup I was using, what hair products. He made me laugh so much, always saying, 'You know I'm only asking because I'm so enamored with you; I'm very enamored with you Jennifer,' with that wry smile on his face." It's refreshing to see an inside look for Lopez's perspective for her time working on American Idol and deepening her friendship with the rock star.
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Tyler's persona is all about being wild and living life to the fullest, but there is more to a celebrity than what is displayed onscreen. Continuing into her relationship with Tyler, Lopez also wrote in her autobiography, "Steven was nothing like what you'd think. People think he's this skinny, crazy rocker, with that larger-than-life mouth and the wild clothes. But he's so deep, so soulful. When you look into his eyes, he's like a little wounded bird."
For the way Lopez praised and described Tyler in her book, it was extremely relevant to her own issues she talked about including how she is presented in the media versus to who she truly is.
By the time it was revealed Tyler would be leaving American Idol due to wanting to go back to his first love Aerosmith, it didn't take long for Lopez depart as well. In her interview with ABC News, she said regarding Tyler's leaving statement, "We had magic. I don't know, with him gone, it might be a different formula." She also made suggestions in who can fill in the void by referencing U2's Bono, Bon Jovi, or Rolling Stones' Mick Jagger.
This eventually resulted in country star Keith Urban replacing Tyler, and then Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey replacing Lopez.
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Despite returning in the 13th and 14th seasons, Lopez thoroughly enjoyed working with the Aerosmith singer, and it was definitely not the same when she made her return as a judge for two more seasons after being absent in the 12th season.
It was clear that the magic between the two was unmistakable and real. Some would argue that the two managed to make the show entertaining after Cowell and Abdul's departure. The two haven't reunited ever since they last worked together, and they have busy lives ahead of them.
Despite not being in contact, it's clear their strong friendship will transcend through time. Lopez eventually performed Aerosmith's "Dream On" for the New Year's Eve concert in New York City, even though the reception to her take on the song was not exactly positive.
Tyler himself hasn't commented on her cover, but considering he didn't react positively or negatively, it's better than what social media has said.