After a 15-year hiatus from television performances, Jessica Simpson returned to the stage with nerves running high. The singer revealed her quirky secret to staying grounded during her American Idol duet, opening up about the emotional weight of her comeback and her exciting new projects.
A nervous return to the spotlight
Jessica Simpson’s first TV performance in over a decade was an emotional milestone that came with unexpected challenges. Speaking to Extra after her duet on American Idol’s season finale, the 44-year-old star admitted she had to resort to an unusual trick to steady her nerves—spraying hairspray on her feet. “I was dying. I can’t even tell you how long it’s been since I’ve been that nervous,” Jessica said. “I had to put hairspray on my feet to stand still… my feet were sweating, and I’m like, my feet don’t sweat!”
The nerves weren’t just physical. She repeatedly told herself, “‘Do not cry. Do not cry.’ I know this is a big moment.” Seeing her father in the audience almost broke her resolve. “I’m going to cry. Do not cry. Just sing your songs.”
A long awaited musical comeback
Jessica’s return to performing marked the end of a long break from live TV. Her previous performance was years ago—singing a Christmas song that felt “easy” compared to the raw vulnerability she displayed this time. For her comeback, she performed a duet with former American Idol contestant Josh King, singing her 2005 track “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’,” which was featured on The Dukes of Hazzard soundtrack.
Beyond the performance, Jessica is channeling her energy into new music. Her latest EP, Nashville Canyon, Pt. 1, showcases a deeply personal side of the singer. She described the new songs as “very bare and raw,” exposing a vulnerable part of her soul. The second part of the EP is set to release this summer.
Jessica is especially eager to hear what her three children—Maxwell, Ace, and Birdie—think about her performance. “I haven’t gotten to talk to them yet, but I’m so excited because they’ve never seen me sing live like that,” she shared.
Life beyond music: Acting and new beginnings
Simpson’s creative journey isn’t limited to music. She recently stepped back in front of the camera with a role on All’s Fair, an upcoming series about female divorce attorneys who launch their own law firm. Jessica praised the show’s “great cast” and described her role as “very crazy.” The star was delighted to work alongside familiar faces like Kim Kardashian, with whom she shares a friendship. “I don’t know if it was her idea to cast me, but I was glad she was on set, and we had scenes together,” she revealed.
Jessica calls this new chapter “Jessica Simpson 4.0,” highlighting her excitement for all the opportunities ahead, both in music and acting.
Embracing change and moving forward
Simpson’s return to the spotlight comes during a transformative time in her personal life. She and estranged husband Eric Johnson, parents to three children, announced their split earlier this year after a decade of marriage. Despite the changes, Jessica’s focus remains on growth and embracing new adventures.
Her triumphant return to live performance and her expanding career in acting signify a powerful new era for the singer. As she sings her heart out once again and embraces new creative roles, Jessica Simpson proves that it’s never too late to reclaim the stage and reinvent oneself.
Jessica Simpson’s heartfelt comeback on American Idol and her ventures into acting highlight a fearless artist stepping boldly into the next phase of her career. With vulnerability, honesty, and a little hairspray, she’s ready to face whatever comes next.
