STEVEN TYLER On 'American Idol' Judges Table: First Photo Released

The first photo of AEROSMITH frontman Steven Tyler on the judges table of "American Idol" can be viewed below. The picture was tweeted by Nigel Lythgoe, has returned to the show as an executive producer. Lythgoe wrote, "It's great to be back on 'American Idol'. The judges were great."

"American Idol" was reportedly shooting the audition round in Jersey City, New Jersey.

As previously reported, AEROSMITH bassist Tom Hamilton told the Boston Herald this week that Tyler believes he has the time and energy to continue fronting the band while also being a judge on the new season of "American Idol". Hamilton explained, "Steven's been very emphatic in saying that the way his time is arranged on the show leaves room to work on a record. He's been taking great pains to remind everybody of that, so hopefully that's the way it will come out."

Yet Hamilton also admitted that things could change, saying, "There's a lot of not knowing what's going to happen, but that's how it's always been for us . . . Steven is an incredible I-can-do-anything kind of guy. But he's taken a big bite, and I'm looking forward to seeing him chew it."

AEROSMITH completed a North American tour two weeks ago in Canada and the rest of the band members are now back home, waiting for their vocalist to carve out time to return to the studio and make the group's first album since 2001.

Hamilton says he's never watched "American Idol" and that the band found out about Tyler's involvement from its management. Guitarist Joe Perry voiced his displeasure in public, calling the program "one step above ('Teenage Mutant') 'Ninja Turtles'."

Tyler and the rest of AEROSMITH butted heads last year, after his fall from a stage on South Dakota led to a canceled tour, a trip for Tyler to rehab and threats by the singer to embark on a solo career. Things were smoothed over for this past summer's trek, but tensions have been raised again by Tyler's "Idol" involvement.