Is Steven Tyler the reason for 'American Idol's' unexpected ratings stamina?

This was supposed to be the year that "American Idol" crashed and burned. How could it not? Everyone knew ex-judge Simon Cowell was the star. Once he packed up and left with his tight T-shirts and brutal one-liners, "Idol" was like a young singer who forgets the lyrics: Living on borrowed time.

Turns out the pessimists will have to hang on to those eulogies a little longer.

Read all about why -- including how new judge Steven Tyler has become its new star -- in our Calendar story.

-- Scott Collins (Twitter: @scottcollins)

Photo: Steven Tyler is, along with Jennifer Lopez, a new face on "American Idol's" judging panel. Credit: Frank Micelotta / Fox

Comments

[Piri]

Simon didn't create many stars during his time on idol. Tyler anytime over Cowell.

[Rae]

Just a comment. I enjoyed Simon thr0ugh the years - although tough, he made the kids realize how hard the world would be on them as they made their way.
I expected crash and burn this year - love love LOVE Steven Tyler as an artist, but I knew nothing about J-Lo (except who she was)...I have been supremely impressed with both Jennifer and Steven as judges this season! Jennifer is kind but honest - Steven is enthusiastic and definitely seeking the rocker that I know Idol can produce! And it's great that Randy can be taken more seriously this season. I'm enjoying it more than ever. Thanks!

[RD]

Without question, Steven Tyler is the most refreshing celebrity judge/panelist on AI or any other 'REALITY/talent-show'. He offers helpful, constructive criticism and doesn't censor his enthusiasm, indifference or dislike of any range of variables (song choice, style, presence, vocal ability, etc...) that contestants bring to their respective performances ON THE DAY, when it matters most.

I'm also enjoying the new dynamic between JLo, ST and RJ, although Randy could turn it down a notch as he sometimes comes across as over-compensating in Simon's absence.

[Xybernauts]

Steven Tyler's star power is alot of help, but it's not the only factor involved. Jennifer Lopez's star power has been a significant factor as well. What's really important is that both stars have brought relevant experience to the judging process. Also the fact that Ellen DeGeneres and Kara DioGuardi left the show may have helped alot as well. Ellen DeGeneres has a great personality, but she felt really out of place because she didn't bring any relevant experience to the judging process other then her personal opinions; and I for one don't think she represented everyone's opinions. Also I think Kara DioGuardi just threw off the judging process. There is no real basis for this, but I don't think that her appearance on the show and the fact that the last two Idols were duds was a coincidence. I also think Randy staying on to bridge the new judges and the old one's also helped as well. It created a sense of connectedness and familiarity between the shows past and present judges.

[EDGE]

Ya think?!

[Sommer]

I think Steven Tyler is a refreshment to the Idol judges. He says EXACTLY what's on his mind, even if it's things that have to be bleeped. At least someone is keeping it real. Jennifer is wonderful as well. She is also a refreshing look to the Idol judges. She's not hanging all over one of the judges or looks like she's going to fall asleep. The only other person that could've outdone Jennifer, of course, was Ellen. I totally respect how Jennifer and Steven have gone about things this season.

[Jamie]

Simon was not as important to the show's success as he would have led us all to believe. He couldn't remember who Kelly Clarkson was for the first half of her season. He was a Tamyra Gray fan. Where is Tamyra? He wanted Ruben over Clay the next season, and that back fired on him. He felt Fantasia would be the biggest star ever launched from Idol and chose to promote her over Jennifer Hudson, and again he got it wrong. Very wrong! Simon hates Country Western music and could not understand Carrie Underwood's appeal to middle america, altho after seeing the voting results every week he did finally declare that she would be the shows biggest selling star to date. Simon actually has a terrible track record for seeing who had the "IT Factor". Steven Tyler has "IT" in spades and obviously can see it in others. Plus he is gracious when offering critisism. I actually love Steven and Jennifer as judges much more than Simon and Paula. I wasn't sure the change would work but it has made the show exciting again.

[jackie walsh]

The show is better than ever. Simon was very rude with his critism and there was no need for that kind of insults. I am sure lots of contestants were very hurt by Simons comments. Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler are very profesional about their work as opposed to Paula and Simon who often did unappropriate flirting. Good replacements !!!!

[tarylelizabeth]

Steven Tyler completely saved the show. I was so prepared to not even watch the show this season, but he really saved it for me. He is such a genuine person and I feel like he knows what he's talking about. I am really surprised this season

[k]

Lots of interesting, insightful observations in these comments. I never liked Simon Cowell, although there were times when I thought he was the only one who could tell a really bad singer the blunt truth. There are some people who really need to hear that.

I've noticed, as one commenter said, that Randy appears to have taken over Cowell's crumudgeon act, whether anybody needed to or not. He has been a little tougher at times than Lopez and Tyler and has said a few things that I was thinking.

Steven Tyler is ugly as sin, but it works for him. It gives him an odd sort of credibility. I don't think I've ever heard/seen Aerosmith perform (not into that branch of pop music), but being a singer/performer and having a peculiar kind of "it" factor himself, he knows what works.

However, having just said all that, I still think Idol is on its last legs. The pop music industry is becoming saturated with all these new performers, and at some point somebody has to say "enough already". After all, how many "idols" do we really need??

[Miguel Ramiro Lopez]

I was given up on American Idol until found that Steven Tyler was a judge, he is far superior to Simon ,sure he can see now that any one can be replaced, even with better people. Mr Tyler brings lots of fresh air to the program. and any one that says that A.I. is ready for the Morgue is absoultly WROG!!!

[XM]

Steven Tyler is a refreshing star personality, but he and J Lo aren't the best judge of talent. They heaped praise on few performances that Randy Jackson rightfully criticized.

Simon Cowell was a huge part of AI success. If the show debuted without him, AI would have been one of these UPN caliber shows that runs during soap opera time slots. He provided a refreshing coflict and BRUTALLY honest opinion for American audience conditioned in sensitivity in all aspects of life. "You are the worst singer I've ever heard in my life" with a straight face to a crappy singer was not what America expected.

Remember the near on camera fight with Randy Jackson, Brian Dunkleman leaving the show, and overrated singers breaking down in tears after Cowell's tongue lashing? That's real drama right there.

[zing]

I still like Randy (Dawg), and Jennifer!! We now have 3 awesome judges. Tyler is fantastic, but not the only one people love.

[Lindy]

Yes Steven Tyler is the BEST! I watch it because of the new three judges. They are a riot and I can't wait every week to see them again. I hated idol when Simon Cowell was a judge it was negative and boring. The new panel of Judges makes it a real professional show to enjoy and look forward to. We even have weekly idol parties now! Keep up the great work! Love the picks last night!

[stuuuu]

i used to hate AI and never watched it, but now im hooked. steve and J-lo are completely awesome. the show seems real and exciting. I can't believe how hot j-lo is every night.

[EEM]

The last few seasons the show became all about Simon Cowell, not the contestants. The biggest drama would involve wondering what Simon would say, and whether the contestants would stand up to him, argue with or sass him (Crystal Bowersox comes to mind here). That's when AI degenerated from being a show about emerging talent into one that catered to an out-sized ego. Simon Cowell was the sun, and everyone--the singers, the fellow-judges, even Ryan Seacrest--revolved around him like planets. It may have been funny at first, waiting to see what Simon would say next. But it got old fast, not to mention annoying and oppressive. This new 10th season, that atmosphere is gone. It's like the sun has come out from behind a cloud. The show is lively and fun and funny and yes, entertaining. The real stars are the singers, not the judges. I hope it stays like that. Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez are entertaining in their own right. But hopefully they'll continue to let the program be about the singers, not about themselves. If so, this show may have a chance to redeem itself.

[Petrushka]

All three judges are doing an excellent job. Fox made the best decision in selecting people with experience in performing and singing to mentor and judge the contestant. In addition to that they are compansionate and nuturing to them. Steven is interesting to watch and Jennifer looks beatiful on every show.

Simon is not a musician nor a singer nor a producer he is only a promoter and rude which many people confuse with being honest. Listen Jennifer and Steve how they make the comments with compansion, sometimes they are saying your performance sucks but it dont sound like that, beacause the choice of words.

I forgot Randy I love him, too. I think he found his niche, with two judges that have the experience like him. There is a wonderful chemistry between these judge panel.

[S L Thompson]

Steven Tyler has a new bunch of "groupies" out here.....65+ women who think he is absolutely the sexiest! We are like teenagers again talking about him. One lady said he is her Justin Bieber. What hooked me is his true appreciation of the young people's talent and the kindness he extends to them. Watching him listen to these kids when they are singing is so impressive. He is a keeper so far as we "mature" ladies are concerned. We love you, Steven! We do not miss Simon or any of the former judges. Steven has stolen our hearts!

[maria]

This season is my favorite so far. J Lo is gorgeous!!! And Stephen is amazing. He is so musical. He listens with his eyes closed and feels the music, He taps on the table in beat to the music, and he plays along and is interactive with all the contestants. Who could ask for better. Randy needs to have a real opinion though. You can tell he is easily swayed or tries to go the complete opposite. He need to get in touch with himself and really have his own opinion

[Judith]

I am 68 and disagree with the person that stated "Steven Tyler is sexiest for our age group". Hello, what planet are you from?