Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler has claimed that his bandmates were “jealous” of his role as a judge on American Idol.

The singer, who had been widely linked to the role, was unveiled as one of the new judges along with Jennifer Lopez on Wednesday (September 22).

Speaking at a press conference, Tyler said the rest of the band had initially reacted badly to reports that he was set to appear on the show.

"At first they were jealous - they heard it through the press and not through me," he said. "But then I said to them, 'Four months ago, you were looking for another lead singer,' so..."

But he added that tensions had eased in recent weeks.

“I'm sure they're real happy for me,” he said. “This is going to do nothing but take it all up another step or two [for the band]."

Tyler and Lopez will join existing judge Randy Jackson on the judges' panel when the programme returns for a 10th season next year.

(by Jason Gregory)