I do think Steven Tyler was a good choice, and I don't really see it as "replacing Simon Cowell." These are two very different people--Simon and Steven ... and Jennifer Lopez as well--and I think the show was ready for a little shake-up. I've watched most of most seasons, and I think American Idol had begun to get a bit stale. In the end, though, it's mostly about the contestants to me, so I really think the quality of the finalists is what will really make or break Idol this season. I'm looking forward to seeing what Steven and J-Lo are like as judges, but, in the end, it's the singers who will or will not keep me watching.

Randy Jackson's stylist needs an Emmy for best COMEDY. The show is garbage.

How could anyone really replace the cool, rude yet honest British Simon Cowell? At times I hated his behavior, probably like many of the contestants, and yet he was right on so many times. Yes, I still watched American Idol throughout the seasons. Steven Tyler is so different. He can bring his personality and skills into the new season, and help the other judges in guiding the contestants. He will do what Simon did well..weed out the weaker talents and fine tune the good ones. Who will be our next American Idol, a young man or woman? I think it's a woman's turn this time!

Steven Tyler is an icon, one of the few judges who could actually walk up onstage and show them how to do it. As for replaceing Simon, in all his sarcastic glory, I'm suspecting that Randy and J-Lo might take up that slack a bit, while Steven, just out of rehab, might provide the "Is he drunk/high?" dynamic that Paula often brought to the table.

If anyone is going to take Paula's place in the "jump up and dance" bit, I certainly hope it will be Jennifer (no offense guys.) So Steven might take over Paula's "everybody is special" gambit, along with the "Is he or Isn't he" mystery, while J-Lo will take over Paula's dancing, silliness, and SOME of Simon's acerbic wit. Randy will be Randy, still the most qualified judge, and he will probably be a bit more "Simonesque" in his criticism, feeling the burden of taking on the "elder statesman" role.

All in all, I'm looking forward to it. If nothing else, Tyler will sense when the show is lagging, and he has a definite sense of flair and timing to rescue dull moments. He's an excellent choice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3RH2U26yz8&feature=related

In my opinion Steven Tyler is not a good replacement for Simon Cowell. Granted I have not seen Steven judge yet, but Simon was the only reason I tuned it for the first round of American Idol. I enjoyed watching Simon be brutally honest with the people who had no reason to be trying out. I just can't see Steven being that ruthless. I could be wrong, maybe he will come out and just put people to shame. I highly doubt it though.