Jessica Simpson recently found herself at the mercy of online critics following her first live TV performance in a decade and a half.
Returning to the stage during the American Idol season 23 finale on Sunday, her vocals became a hot topic on social media, attracting a slew of negative comments.
The 44-year-old singer and actress faced harsh criticism for her rendition of the 2005 hit “These Boots Are Made for Walking,” which she performed alongside former contestant Josh King.
One user on X didn’t hold back, stating, “Jessica Simpson was an absolute train wreck on American Idol tonight!!”
Another added, “Jessica Simpson is really struggling and fighting for her life singing her biggest hit, ‘These Boots Are Made for Walking.'”
A third viewer simply described the performance as “the epitome of cringe.”
Jessica Simpson has become the latest victim of online criticism and trolls internet following her first live television performance in 15 years by American Idol; seen on Sunday
Others insisted she ‘would never ever get a ticket to Hollywood had she auditioned’ for American Idol’s current judges, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie.
‘I honestly don’t understand how she’s considered a professional vocalist?’ another hater commented.
Despite the fierce backlash, many fans defended Simpson as they pointed out they didn’t ‘hear any glaring errors’ and she’s about on par with ‘the typical pop star vocalists [like] Katy Perry, Britney, Sabrina Carpenter, and several others.’
‘She never will be a Mariah [Carey] or Whitney [Houston], but I doubt vast majority of her detractors (here and elsewhere )could do a better job,’ one wrote on YouTube.
On March 21, Simpson released her EP Nashville Canyon Part 1.
Jessica dropped her last album 15 years ago – her Christmas album called Happy Christmas, which was released on November 22, 2010.
Her other albums include: Sweet Kisses (1999), Irresistible (2001), In This Skin (2003), ReJoyce: The Christmas Album (2004), A Public Affair (2006) and Do You Know (2008).
Her return to music comes after her split from Eric Johnson.
After making her musical comeback during the American Idol season 23 finale on Sunday, her vocals were ripped apart and criticized by viewers on social media
‘Jessica Simpson was an absolute train wreck on American Idol tonight!!” one X user declared
‘Eric and I have been living separately navigating a painful situation in our marriage. Our children come first, and we are focusing on what is best for them. We are grateful for all of the love and support that has been coming our way, and appreciate privacy right now as we work through this as a family,’ she said to the outlet.
Jessica hinted at their split for months – and Eric was spotted in November 2024 without his ring.
‘Interviews in my Nashville music room where I unearthed my singular magic. This comeback is personal. It’s an apology to myself for putting up with everything that I did not deserve,’ she wrote as a caption on her Instagram post along with a snap of her in a recording studio.
Eric and Jessica married in July 2014 after dating for four years; they met through a mutual friend in 2010.
They welcomed three children together: daughter Maxwell Drew, 12, son Ace Knute, 11, and daughter Birdie Mae, five.
