Aerosmith's Perry, Tyler Discuss Upcoming Album's Special Guests

Michael Becker/FOXAerosmith's upcoming album, Music from Another Dimension!, will feature a number of interesting guest appearances, including one by country star Carrie Underwood. Steven Tyler tells Rolling Stone that he and the former American Idol champ duet on a tune titled "Beautiful," which he describes as "a country-western crossover ballad." If you think the Aerosmith-Underwood pairing seems unusual, you're not alone -- guitarist Joe Perry says he wasn't sure about the collaboration at first, although he soon changed his mind.

"Their voices matched up really well," he tells Rolling Stone. "It doesn't sound forced. It was just right."

Another notable artist appearing on the upcoming album, due out November 6, is John Lennon's son Julian. The 49-year-old Lennon sang harmony on the song "Love Three ***** a Day," which Tyler says is reminiscent of a Beatles tune. "He's such a sweet f**king guy," Tyler adds about Julian. "And he's John's first son with that voice and sense of humor -- gimme a break!"

Hollywood heartthrob and Keith Richards compadre Johnny Depp also participated in the album sessions. The actor/musician contributed backing vocals to "Freedom Fighter," a track with a politically conscious theme. Perry tells Rolling Stone that the tune might appear on a deluxe version of Music from Another Dimension! rather than on the main track list.

Meanwhile, Tyler also chatted with Rolling Stone about his gig as an American Idol judge, which he recently gave up to focus on Aerosmith.

Steven admits that he signed up for Idol because, at the time, he and the rest of Aerosmith were having very public disagreements. "It was something to do while the storm blew by, to be honest," he says, adding, "I loved it and hated it. It was a great job, I sat next to [Jennifer Lopez] and I made a ton of money. It was a moment in life and it became larger than life."

Tyler also defends himself and J. Lo against criticism that they were way too soft on the contestants. "The show's about kids and what you do to nurture their talent. They wanted me to take the p**s out of the kids and I don't have that in me," he explains. "That's not what I'm about."