(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Steven Tyler may have been under pressure to quit American Idol, it has been reported.

The Aerosmith frontman announced his shock departure from the US TV series yesterday.

It has been widely reported that his bandmates Aerosmith were unhappy when he joined the show and this is believed to have influenced his decision to leave.

"The situation smacks of the band forcing him to make a choice between Idol or Aerosmith," leading PR specialist Glenn Selig told. "He chose Aerosmith."

The 64-year-old rocker revealed he was quitting the show to focus on his music career with Aerosmith.

The promotional tour for their next album release would have clashed with his commitments to the Idol auditions in November.

Steven's reputation as a rock star was also at risk of being damaged by his association with the popular music contest and the daily rumours around the panel judges.

"I absolutely think there was pressure on him from bandmates not to go back on the show," an industry insider explained. "Steven wants to regain some shred of independent credibility." (C) Cover Media