Steven Tyler Says He "Loved and Hated" Being on "American Idol"

Michael Becker/FOXMany American Idol fans were disappointed when Steven Tyler announced he was leaving the show to focus on his band, Aerosmith.  Now, he admits that his time on the show was a bittersweet experience.

Speaking to Rolling Stone, Steven admits that he signed up for Idol mostly because he and the rest of Aerosmith were having very public disagreements.  "It was something to do while the storm blew by, to be honest," he says, adding, "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 also defends himself and Jennifer Lopez against criticism that they were way too soft on the contestants.  "The show's about kids and what you do to nurture their talent. They wanted me to take the piss out of the kids and I don't have that in me.  That's not what I'm about," he tells Rolling Stone.  "That's more about that other guy.  Not me," referring to Simon Cowell.

But the rock legend isn't cutting ties with Idol completely: Carrie Underwood is featured on the new Aerosmith album on a song called "Beautiful."

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio