Steven Tyler is quiet on whether he or Jennifer Lopez will return to the judging panel on American Idol next year, but the rocker says he has loved the experience of sitting next to her.

"She's a sexy beast," Tyler said in a phone interview.

He added: "I'm always flirting with her. It's not a bad thing. It's really a good thing. The best part of it all is that we been able to pick some good talent. Just look at this year."

Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez are the final two contestants and the winner will be crowned on Wednesday night.

If 16-year-old Jessica wins, she'll be first girl to win the competition since Jordin Sparks took home the crown five years ago.

Tyler gives her the edge: "She sings so good you can't deny, but America votes for it, so we'll see."

The 64-year old rocker said he was always comfortable judging the talent competition.

When he took the job in 2010, it was rumoured his band Aerosmith, would not survive. But this summer, Aerosmith are touring and are set to release their first studio album in 10 years.

Tyler said his Idol gig never was a problem for the band. "There was no working through it. I took a job. I took a day job (and) for whatever reason, it was very successful," he said.

Tyler attributes his Idol success to the chemistry among the judges and host Ryan Seacrest. "The ride has been nothing but good. I think people at home see that realness. I didn't think it would transcend like that, and God bless that it did."