Steven Tyler Accepted the “American Idol” Gig Much to Roger Daltrey’s Dismay

In an interview in the new issue of "Rolling Stone", which comes out tomorrow, Steven Tyler admits that he accepted the "American Idol" gig, in part, to gain leverage over the other members of Aerosmith.

(Of course, Steven and Aerosmith have been on rocky terms, on and off, for YEARS now, but things got really bad in late 2009 / early 2010 when it seemed like Steven was either quitting, or being fired from the band.)

Steven explains, quote, "Did I take this job to show the band?  (BLANK), yeah. Not to show them, but that I can't be held hostage anymore. I will be my own hostage. The band can't throw me out."

The "Idol" negotiations went down last summer.  And interestingly enough, if Steven hadn't accepted the gig, it might have gone to Who singer Roger Daltrey.  But Steven had the edge, because he still looked like a rock star.

A Fox suit told "Rolling Stone", quote, "[Roger] came in and was the complete reverse of Steve . . . very formal, his hair was cut, he looked like a regular guy.  He had lost that sort of rock 'n' roll charm.  But Steven was unbelievably charming."

(Steve and Roger were among roughly 40 people who were interviewed to replace Simon Cowell. There's no new word on who the others were.)