NEW YORK – A source close to Steven Tyler says the Aerosmith frontman told the source he will be a judge on Fox’s “American Idol” next season.

Although an official announcement about Tyler has yet to come from Fox and the producers of the top-rated show, the source told The Associated Press on Wednesday that “there is no reason to refute” Tyler’s account. The source spoke only on the condition of anonymity because the source was not authorized to comment publicly on the matter.

Additional Photos

Cast members from the movie “The Expendables” – from left, Jason Statham, Sylvester Stallone and Terry Crews – ring the opening bell Thursday at the New York Stock Exchange in New York City. As the “expendables” in the action thriller that came out last week, they won more than their share of supercharged street brawls. Wall Street, however, could not be tamed. The Dow Jones industrial average fell 144 points. The Associated Press

Steven Tyler

Wyclef Jean

Fox and producers FreemantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment had no comment on the report.

The “Idol” judging panel has been in flux with the departure of mainstay Simon Cowell, as well as Ellen DeGeneres’ recent announcement that she would not return for a second season.

Hip-hop artist spends time with Haitian president

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Haitian President Rene Preval met with presidential hopeful Wyclef Jean for more than two hours Thursday, discussing everything from the hip-hop artist’s safety to relations with the neighboring Dominican Republic.

Jean told The Associated Press that he felt the exchange with Rene Preval was positive.

Earlier in the week, Jean said he had received death threats. Jean said Preval expressed concern and offered Jean security.

The former Fugees frontman — and several dozen other presidential candidates — are scheduled to find out today whether the country’s electoral council will let them run for office.

Martin’s book title: ‘Me’

NEW YORK – Ricky Martin has picked an appropriate title for his autobiography: “Me.”

The Puerto Rican singer is set to release his memoir on Nov. 2. It will also be released in Spanish the same day. That edition will be titled “Yo,” which is Spanish for “I” and “me.”

Martin has said that preparing to write the book was one of the reasons he decided to reveal earlier this year that he is gay.

Martin said in a written statement Thursday that the project led him to extract memories that he had erased from his mind. He says the book was not easy but allowed for an “incredible spiritual journey.”

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