It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

That's how Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler described his [article id="1689490"]two-year tenure[/article]
 on "American Idol."

Speaking to Rolling Stone magazine recently, the frequently bedazzled, motor-mouthed 64-year-old rock icon said the reality singing show was actually "not my cup of tea."

But at a time when he was [article id="1625906"]feuding[/article]
 with his Aerosmith bandmates, Tyler said he signed up for season 9 of "Idol" in 2010 because it was "something to do while the storm blew by." Then again, he was reportedly paid $10 million a season for the gig.

"I loved it and hated it," he said. "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." The downside, though, was how he said producers pushed him to become a Simon Cowell replacement and take on the role of the mean judge.

"The show's about kids and what you do to nurture their talent," he said of criticism that he and fellow departed judge Jennifer Lopez took it too easy on contestants and were afraid to offer negative critiques. "They wanted me to take the piss 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."

And, for a rock and roll grandpa who has struggled with [article id="1526788"]physical problems[/article]
, [article id="1673285"]shower falls[/article],
 [article id="1656161"]drug relapses[/article]
 and other ailments over the years, the fact is the show as a lot of work. "It was just hard work: seven-hour days and then I went and did the [Aerosmith] album for eight hours after that," he said.

After signing off from "Idol," Tyler is now in full promo mode for Aerosmith, whose long-awaited new studio album, Music From Another Dimension!, is due out in November. The disc will feature a duet with "Idol" alum Carrie Underwood, as well as cameos from Julian Lennon and backing vocals from pal [article id="1686405"]Johnny Depp[/article]
.