Jessica Simpson’s music comeback is not impressing everyone, as “American Idol” viewers harshly criticized her performance on the Season 23 finale last Sunday. The 44-year-old singer made her first TV appearance in 15 years, singing her 2005 rendition of Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made for Walking” alongside former contestant Josh King. She also debuted her new track “Blame Me,” but unfortunately, many fans did not enjoy her presence on the ABC show.
Criticism flooded social media platforms, with one viewer on X (formerly Twitter) describing Simpson’s performance as an “absolute train wreck.” Another fan commented on Jessica’s struggle during the performance, while a third shared a photo of judge Luke Bryan’s cringing reaction. On YouTube, a fan quoted former judge Randy Jackson’s famous line, stating that it was a definite “no” for them. Some even went as far as to suggest that Simpson would not have made it to Hollywood if she had auditioned again.
Despite the backlash, there were also fans who defended Simpson and praised her return to the music scene. One YouTuber questioned why there was so much negativity towards her, while another fan expressed joy at having Jessica back. Another supporter highlighted Simpson’s consistent singing abilities over the years. The singer’s comeback was marked by the release of her 2025 EP, “Nashville Canyon, Part 1,” which she wrote during her split from husband Eric Johnson after a decade of marriage.
In an interview with People, Simpson shared the personal struggles she faced while working on the EP, emphasizing how music became her saving grace during a challenging time. The couple’s split was confirmed in January, with Simpson stressing the importance of prioritizing their three children amidst the separation. Rumors of their marriage troubles had been circulating for months, fueled by observations from fans regarding Johnson’s absence from social media and Simpson’s ringless finger since early 2024. Despite the challenges, Simpson remains grateful for the support and privacy as they navigate this new chapter as a family.
