Steven Tyler: American Idol was 'not my cup of tea'

The Aerosmith singer has admitted that he had a love-hate relationship with the show, which he signed up to judge in 2010 because it was "something to do while the storm blew by" while he was at war with his band mates.

The 64-year-old star added to Rolling Stone magazine: "I loved it and hated it. It was a great job, I sat next to J. Lo and I made a ton of money. It was a moment in life and it became larger than life."

Steven - who was paid $10 million a season - was accused of being too soft on contestants along with fellow judge Jennifer Lopez, but the rock icon says he refused to live up to the 'Mr Nasty' persona the panel needed after Simon Cowell's departure.

He explained: "The show's about kids and what you do to nurture their talent. They wanted me to take the p**s out of the kids and I don't have that in me. 

"That's not what I'm about. That's more about that other guy. Not me."

The singer announced he was leaving the show after a successful two season run in July, followed shortly by Jennifer.

Mariah Carey recently joined the panel alongside original judge Randy Jackson.