{alltv} Can new judges save 'Idol'?

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PASADENA, Calif. -- So is American Idol going to keep new judge Steven Tyler on a seven-second delay in case he says something inappropriate?

"F---, no," Tyler barked yesterday as the American Idol judges -- Tyler, fellow novice Jennifer Lopez and returnee Randy Jackson -- made an appearance at the Television Critics Association tour.

That was the first thing out of Tyler's mouth at the 45-minute media conference, which also featured host Ryan Seacrest and executive producer Nigel Lythgoe, among others.

American Idol returns for its 10th season next Wednesday, Jan. 19, on Fox and CTV. The big question, of course, is whether American Idol can survive without knowing what Simon says.

Hearing the new judges interact, it's safe to say this is going to be a kinder, gentler, friendlier American Idol without departed judge Simon Cowell. But if it's to avoid the trap of being a boring American Idol, Tyler -- the lead singer of Aerosmith -- definitely is the wild card.

For example, following the formal session, Tyler told a small scrum of reporters what he thinks of former Idol judge Paula Abdul and her new show Live to Dance, which airs on CBS and CTV.

"I haven't watched it, I just wish her luck," Tyler said. "I know the world took the piss out of her for nodding out, something I'm not unfamiliar with. I guess she had problems with substances.

"I don't know, she's a real character, she's great, she's an artist, and people are going to look to see what she's got going next."

Tyler admitted he initially was wary of American Idol.

"I didn't watch it -- I really thought you had to do clubs and so forth to win your ticket, you had to pay your dues," Tyler said. "But it's just different. I was a little leery at first, but I fell so in love with the way the show works."

As for Cowell, Tyler said, "I've never spoken to him, I haven't met him yet."

Lopez certainly came across as the most polished and poised of the Idol judges, new or old.

"We're spontaneous in how we critique each and every person," Lopez said of the trio. "You have to tune in to see the full scope of how we judge. I know that's the question of the day. But you'll just have to watch.

"I thought it would be fun, and it's more fun than I thought it would be."

Even Jackson insisted he has changed heading into the new season.

"I've heard a lot of talk of who's going to be the tough one, the mean one, but you'll still hear all of that from all three of us," Jackson said. "If you're terrible, you're terrible, what are you going to say?

"The show in Season 10, you'll see a different dog, a bit more hair on the dog, if you will. But you're going to like this a lot, I guarantee it. You're going to say, 'Dog, you were right.' "

Seacrest, too, is choosing to look forward.

"I'm inspired by the new life here," Seacrest said. "Simon and I had our banter and people knew us for that, but this is a whole new dynamic, and I think it will be funny, too. There's a genuine camaraderie with this group.

"I don't know what it's like live yet, but I'm looking forward to that. I hope it's a bit of a circus."

If it is, Tyler will be the ringmaster.