Tyler: Idol wasn't my cup of tea

Steven Tyler has said he liked the pay cheques on American Idol but had a love-hate relationship with the show.

The Aerosmith rocker - who announced last month he was leaving the judging panel after two seasons to rededicate himself to his band - told Rolling Stone magazine the TV talent show was "not my cup of tea".

But he added: "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."

Steve told the magazine he took the job because it was a good way to pass the time while he and his bandmates worked out their behind-the-scenes conflicts.

"It was something to do while the storm blew by, to be honest," he said.

And while previous judge Simon Cowell was known for his withering put-downs, Steve said it wasn't his style to be mean.

"The show's about kids and what you do to nurture their talent. They wanted me to take the p*** out of the kids and I don't have that in me. That's not what I'm about. That's more about that other guy. Not me."

Last month, Mariah Carey was announced as a new judge on the US show, which will be back on air in January.