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Tyler, Lopez, Iovine join 'American Idol'

By Alan Duke, CNN
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And the 'American Idol' judges are...
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • NEW: Jennifer Lopez says she will not replace Simon Cowell as the villain
  • Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler promises to bring rock to the show
  • Lopez says she's looking for the next Michael Jackson
  • Jimmy Iovine's record label will distribute "Idol" music
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Los Angeles, California -- Rocker Steven Tyler, singer-actress Jennifer Lopez and record exec Jimmy Iovine will join "American Idol" for its 10th season, host Ryan Seacrest announced Wednesday.

Tyler and Lopez will join "Idol" original Randy Jackson at the judge's table for the singing competition, while Iovine will mentor contestants, Seacrest said.

Nigel Lythgoe, who left as the show's executive producer two years ago, is returning to that job. His goal is return the show's reputation as a starmaker, he said.

"We have got to go back to creating an American idol," Lythgoe said.

Tyler and Lopez replace Simon Cowell, Ellen DeGeneres and Kara DioGuardi, who left the show at the end of the last season.

"I want to bring some rock to this roller coaster," Tyler said after walking onstage with a loud yell when the announcement was made at the Los Angeles Forum.

Tyler, 62, offered advice to "Idol" hopefuls. "Sing like you do when nobody's looking, because the whole world will be," he said.

His legendary group Aerosmith is the best-selling American rock band of all time, according to the Fox TV announcement.

Lopez, 41, appeared previously on "Idol" as a contestant mentor.

"I'm looking for the next Michael Jackson," Lopez said.

She also had advice for contestants. "You just have to concentrate on the moment the best you can," Lopez said. "Just live. It's your moment."

Iovine, 57, is chairman of Interscope-Geffen-A&M, the record company for Lady Gaga and other top artists.

In addition to his work as a mentor, his company will "market, promote and distribute" music made by "Idol" finalists, Fox said.

"What you see on the show is something you've never seen with music," Iovine said. "I can guarantee it."

Randy Jackson, at a news conference after the announcement, said that none of the new judges will be expected to fill the role of villain, which was often played by Cowell.

"We will all have our moments," Jackson said.

Lopez suggested that it wouldn't be her.

"I believe in tough love, but I don't think I could ever be cruel to another artist," Lopez said "There are definitely better ways to say things and get your point across."

She said one benefit of her job on the show is that she can settle down with her family in Los Angeles for six months without having to go on the road.

CNN's Denise Quan contributed to this report.