Jessica Simpson took fans’ breath away with her “American Idol” 2025 performance Sunday — and not in a good way.
The singer was slammed as she performed on TV for the first time in 15 years during the ABC show’s finale episode over the weekend.
Simpson, 44, first teamed up with former contestant Josh King to sing her 2005 hit reimagining of Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made for Walking.”
She also gave viewers a taste of her new music with “Blame Me.”
Jessica Simpson performed during the “American Idol” 2025 finale Sunday. Disney via Getty Images
The TV appearance marked her first in 15 years. Disney via Getty Images
The former reality star, however, was bashed on social media for her execution, with one person quipping via YouTube, “There were some great performances during this show. This was NOT one of them….”
Another quoted longtime judge Randy Jackson, saying, “It’s a no from me, dawg. This is not a comeback.”
After labeling her as “horrible,” a third commented, “Never has been a good singer. What a train wreck.”
Meanwhile, a fourth tried to bite their tongue as they wrote, “Hmmm, interesting choice of performer. I’ll just shut my mouth…”
The actress sang “Blame Me” and “These Boots Are Made for Walking.” Disney via Getty Images
She was slammed as “horrible” and not a “good singer” before others defended her. Disney via Getty Images
The former reality star teased her performance via Instagram over the weekend. jessicasimpson/Instagram
Meanwhile, others defended the singer by celebrating the “amazing and unexpected” performance, as one person wrote that Simpson “was off the rails in a good way.”
A second fan gushed, “Sounds better than before.”
“I love everything about this. Her new songs are really great, she looks great. Happy she’s finally back,” a third quipped.
Simpson teased her “American Idol” cameo with an excited Instagram upload Sunday documenting her rehearsal.
The former reality star reignited her music career earlier this year. Getty Images for Shock Ink
In March, she performed at a Texas music festival. Getty Images for Shock Ink
Simpson is currently navigating her divorce from estranged husband Eric Johnson. jessicasimpson/Instagram
She has yet to react to mixed reviews of her performance — or to Jamal Roberts being crowned the Season 23 winner over John Foster and Breanna Nix.
Page Six reported Simpson’s “full force” return to music in January, and she has since taken the stage at the Luck Reunion music festival in Spicewood, Texas.
We hear this comeback was inspired by her divorce from Eric Johnson, which she announced earlier this year.
The former couple tied the knot in July 2014 and co-parent three children: daughter Maxwell, 13, son Ace, 11, and daughter Birdie, 6.
