We have been following news on season 10 of "American Idol" before season nine even began. It all started back in January with the shock of [article id="1629445"]Simon Cowell's departure[/article]. Then [article id="1644762"]Ellen DeGeneres was out[/article]! Then [article id="1647220"]Kara DioGuardi[/article]! The rumored new judges piled on from there, with names like Jessica Simpson, Elton John and Justin Timberlake thrown up for consideration.

Eventually, that field was narrowed to two: [article id="1648447"]Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler[/article], who were announced as official "Idol" judges during a Fox press conference Wednesday (September 22).

One of the many questions asked of the new panelists during the big event was: Will they get in touch with their inner-Simon Cowell and be tough on the contestants?

"How tough will I be? I believe in tough love," Lopez said. "But I don't think I will ever, as an artist myself, I could never be cruel to another artist," she added. "I think there are definitely better ways to get your point across. I've mentored on the show before, so I think people have seen that and kinda can feel how I'll be -- or maybe they'll be surprised."

Tyler said he, too, has no plans for outrageous tongue-lashings and will instead be trying to protect himself from getting too attached.

"We're sure going to send some people home with broken hearts," Tyler admitted. "But with all that we've been through in our careers, living vicariously through the young talent out there, it's going to be hard. But it's also going to be fun, because they're stepping up to the plate, and so are we."

Who will be tougher: Lopez or Tyler? Sound off in the comments!

Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' [article id="1486475"]"American Idol" page[/article], where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.