Steven Tyler Drops F-Bomb on 'American Idol'

The audience, which included its share of preteen kids, was aghast, but Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe and Fox head of alternative programming Mike Darnell simply laughed it off.

Moments earlier, Casey also planted a kiss on Jennifer Lopez's cheek, to which Tyler applauded him for achieving "what I've been trying to do for four months."

During the commercial break, a war-room-like huddle formed at the judges' table, with Lythgoe clutching his head as he jokingly dropped to his knees.

Said Abrams following the brouhaha: "I kissed Jennifer Lopez and made Steven Tyler swear." Not a bad night.