Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez Didn’t Quit ‘American Idol’, Were Fired

We just learned on Friday that Steven Tyler (and now Jennifer Lopez) decided to break away from judging American Idol next season, but not for the reasons you would think.

From the statements made by Tyler and Lopez, it sounded like they left due to their busy schedules, and by their choice, but The Wrap (via Radar) is claiming the Aerosmith singer and bootylicious pop star weren’t offered the job.

Rumor has it Lopez was paid a whopping $12 million for her first season’s duty, $15 million her second, and asked for $17 million to do the next season. Problem is, she wasn’t given a counteroffer from the show.

As for Tyler, apparently his negotiations didn’t even get that far. Sources are saying Fox wasn’t even considering him for another season.

I don’t think letting go of Lopez will necessarily help or hurt the show really. Other than her wardrobe on the show, I really don’t think she added much, but Tyler I loved. He had the compassion of former judge Paula Abdul when rating the contestants, and the musical smarts and experience to back it up. He’ll be missed.