‘American Idol’ Fans React to Jessica Simpson’s Performance on Show – How Did You Rate It?
Jessica Simpson made her return to television for the first time in 15 years on Sunday night (May 18), as she performed live on the Season 23 finale of American Idol.
The singer stepped out onto the stage in a sparkly gold dress to perform her new single “Blame Me.” The track features on Simpson’s latest EP, Nashville Canyon, Pt. 1, which was released on March 21. Host Ryan Seacrest confirmed it was Simpson’s first TV appearance in 15 years.
She then performed a duet with contestant Josh King, who was eliminated earlier in the competition. The pair performed Simpson’s 2005 rendition of “These Boots Are Made For Walkin,'” a reimagining of the Nancy Sinatra classic. Simpson first recorded the track to promote her role in the 2005 Dukes of Hazzard remake.
Fans took to social media to share their comments on Simpson’s performance, and the reaction was mixed.
“Jessica Simpson she absolutely killed it!!” wrote one X user.
“I was wowed and surprised how incredible Jessica Simpson sounded. Raspy and holding tunes with attitude. Awesome! She looked hot. Josh was lame. Couldn’t keep up and didn’t know what to do. Thank God for his harmonica,” said another.
“#AmericanIdol Did we already know Jessica Simpson could sing? Sorry I don’t think I knew. 15 years- girl, why you hiding that gift?” another added.
Another wrote, “Wow, I never knew she sounded so good live. She’s still got it and back on stage better than ever.”
“Kudos to her for getting on that stage and having fun. People will always have something negative to say. She looks great,” said one commenter.
However, others weren’t so impressed, with one fan writing, “The Jessica Simpson Josh King American Idol performance might be the most uncomfortable thing I’ve ever seen! Even the judges are cringing!”
Luke’s face during that Jessica Simpson performance is the epitome of cringe 😂 #AmericanIdol #americanidolfinale pic.twitter.com/VcPQiluN6p
— BEEZY GARNER (@Burke_Franklin_) May 19, 2025
“She really just never learned how to use her voice. Perfect example of natural talent with terrible technique,” said another.
“I was embarrassed watching Jessica Simpson’s performance,” another added.
One commenter added, “I was looking forward to see Josh & Jessica Simpson before But I’m disappointed, Did Jessica loss Her voice??? She sounded awful, Maybe they should got Josh to sing with Billy Joel Or Elton John!!!”
“She does not look or sound good. Damn Jessica Simpson,” said another.
After releasing her new EP in March, Simpson took to Instagram to promote the record, writing, “I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free. His eyes are on the sparrow and I know He watches me. God told me I needed to feel the fear and do it anyway as I’m moving into my truth while embracing the beauty of uncertainty.”
Simpson’s television comeback tour is set to continue as last week it was revealed she will have a role in the upcoming Ryan Murphy legal drama series All’s Fair.
What did you think of Simpson’s Idol performance? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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Comments are closed on this story.
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C
It wasn't great.
9
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B
Her singing was embarrassing and really awkward. I felt uncomfortable just watching her strange performance.
8
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O
I thought it was cringe worthy. Her voice wasn't bad but the performance was terrible. What did she do to herself? Bad plastic surgery.
5
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R
Her new song sounded okay. But the duet was not good. Awkward for sure. And her voice didn't sound right either.
5
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G
Ummm not so good! Not awful just not good and she seemed very uncomfortable.
5
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O
I thought it was “cringe worthy”!!!
5
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P
I agree with Luke & his cringes!
4
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P
Awful..
3
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B
I think Jessica is beautiful and has a great powerful voice... Opinions vary... I think 💬 we have some haters who don't matter with their opinions that have no value to someone with beauty and great talent... Haters are just jealous and pathetic people who can't stand someone with greatness! They invited Jessica on the Finale for America Idol for a reason because she's Special period and has something you probably don't have or you wouldn't be hating... I enjoyed her beauty and her performance...
2
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P
Her singing was good but what the heck with those lips!
They are bigger than her face ! She was so Beautiful till she
Started the face lifts 😟
2
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O
She is beautiful I've always liked her. She's pretty than most celebrities. And successful at alot she's done. She's been through alot cut people some slack !!
1
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C
Thought she sounded great...looked a little nervous though.
1
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O
As good as the other older acts they had. Maybe better than most. She's getting picked on. Good job reinventing herself.
1
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C
That ship has sailed.
1
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G
No sadly….just no. Terrible duo. Did not support how good Josh really is also.
So, pretty, but bad makeup unfortunately. Too severe.
1
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O
I can not believe idol us still on with has been performers and the way they vote before anyone sings tells me they are not looking for the best but only votes do they can say we had thirty million votes come it. Look at the last winners how many are big stars?
1
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P
I think better without Josh
1
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G
Absolutely horrendous.
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O
I just watched Jessica's performance and with Josh after I read reviews. I must saw what I heard and saw as opposed to what was said are two different ballgame! The performance, singing was not horrible like people were saying. I was pleasantly surprised. Jessica and Josh, you two keep rocking it! You two are the ones that have made on stage! Haters are sitting at home being lame watching you on TV. Y'all are in front of the world rocking it!
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O
I thought she did great, still got it. It's been 15 years since she has performed, give her a chance to get more relaxed and at ease. Her voice sounded great to me.
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B
Her blown up lips almost swallowed the microphone.
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G
I did not like it & she needs to lay off the Botox & lip injections!
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C
She looks awesome! Some people should just be happy they are beautiful. A singer? Nah!
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O
I was cringing too. I'm sure she's a lovely person but I've never thought of her as a good singer.
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G
Jessica you need more work on your voice since you have been out for awhile. Just keeep working at it babe don’t give up.
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G
She sounded and looked terrible.
1
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P
I liked Jessica's performance a lot. If people are expecting her to be the same as when she was 20, they would be disappointed. She clearly has found a sound for herself. I think it might need some additional cultivation... but I'm ready to hear more.
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