'American Idol' Apology for Steven Tyler: Is It a Joke?

Feb. 3, 2011— -- Three weeks. That's how long it took before "American Idol" had to apologize for judge Steven Tyler.

At the start of Wednesday's show, Fox ran an apology for its most unrestrained judge: "American Idol would like to apologize for last week's outrageous behavior by Steven Tyler."

It was followed by a second black card, which read: "Mr. Tyler has been warned and assured us it will never happen again."

Although many people had speculated earlier on what "it" was, the Fox producers were making amends for Tyler's comment last week when he joked that a contestant's last name rhymed with a profanity.

When Jake Muck introduced himself, Tyler, 62, said, "You know what Muck rhymes with, don't you?" When Muck replied, "Duck," Tyler responded, "Read my lips."

The comment reportedly drew complaints from viewers.

But skeptics reportedly believe the apology was just another joke; this time from producers.

Fox declined to comment about the apology, and the show's producers did not immediately respond to ABCNews.com's request.

But, why would they apologize for that and not the first episode, when Tyler came under fire for hitting on teenage contestants young enough to be his granddaughter?

"American Idol" producers are smart enough to know that they have found a new star in judge Tyler. The more off-the-cuff remarks he makes, the more headlines he generates and the more -- producers hope -- viewers tune into the show.

Even before the 10th season started, Tyler was making headlines for comments he made about snorting Lunesta and partaking in a backstage three-way. Based on his comments, it was clear the Aerosmith frontman had not signed a morals clause with the family-favorite show or even been coached on what not to say.

On the season premiere, Tyler quickly upstaged fellow freshman judge Jennifer Lopez.

He punctuated the auditions with his signature scream, sometimes singing and tapping along with the contestants.