‘American Idol’ Judge Steven Tyler Welcomes Country Music

New 'American Idol' judge Steven Tyler brings a horse-crippling dose of rock 'n' roll to the show. Even though he cut his teeth in the hard knocks rock scene, Tyler doesn’t count country music out like former judge Simon Cowell reportedly has.

In a recent video interview with 'FOX and Friends' about his high-profile new gig, Tyler is asked about his feelings about the country genre.

"It's not like that other guy who said, 'I hate country,'" Tyler says. "Come on, that's the one thing that turned me off about the show, when Simon passed on this kid, saying, 'Besides which I hate country. Not my cup of tea.'"

"If I am judging music, you don't judge the genre ... sorry," he adds.

Country music leaning contestants, like Paris Tassin -- who was introduced to 'Idol' viewers last week with an emotional performance of Carrie Underwood's 'Temporary Home' -- have a friend in open-minded judge Steven Tyler this season. Who'd have thunk it?