American Idol fan Dave Grohl

Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl has started watching 'American Idol' since Steven Tyler became a judge.

The rocker has become a regular viewer of the pop star search show since the Aerosmith star joined the panel along with Jennifer Lopez because he has a lot of respect for the 'Crazy' singer.

Speaking at the Shockwaves NME Awards 2011 at the 02 Academy Brixton, in London, tonight (23.02.11), he said: "I started watching 'American Idol', like, two weeks ago. I watched it because of Steven Tyler, he's a good guy. It's good that it makes people pay attention to music."

Although he has no problem with the premise of the series, Dave insists it's important for young people to realise you can make music away from the TV cameras.

He added to BANG Showbiz: "Kids should know there are other ways of doing it, you don't have to do it like that, you don't have to do it on TV, you don't have to have that sort of career ambition, you can just do it for fun. You can do it in your room or do it for friends. And you can suck - it's OK!"

The 'Best of You' singer was picking up the Godlike Genius Award at the star-studded ceremony, where guests included Juliette Lewis, Sex Pistols singer John Lydon - also known as Johnny Rotten - and Muse frontman Matt Bellamy.