On Sunday night’s finale episode (May 18, 2025) of Season 23 of “American Idol,” Hollywood star Jessica Simpson made her return to television for the first time in 15 years. She performed solo and at another point, delivered a duet with a contestant who was eliminated from the competition, Josh King. While she gave the performances her all, it was her appearance that drew the most attention online.
Netizen comment about Jessica Simpson, posted on May 20, 2025. | Source: Facebook/Page Six
When Simpson stepped onto the stage, all eyes naturally followed. Dressed in a dazzling gold gown that hugged her silhouette and glimmered under the rich, violet lighting, she looked every bit the seasoned star reclaiming her moment.
Her long, honey-blonde hair framed her face in soft waves, and her makeup emphasized bold lashes and a glossy nude lip.
Jessica Simpson performing her song, “Blame Me,” on the Season 23 finale of “American Idol,” posted on May 19, 2025. | Source: YouTube/American Idol
She took her place at center stage to debut her new single, “Blame Me,” from her latest EP, “Nashville Canyon, Pt. 1.”
Backed by a full live band, Simpson’s voice rang out with soulful tones. She sang with her eyes both open and shut at times, drawing the audience into the raw vulnerability of the lyrics. As fans clapped along, she delivered each line with heartfelt intensity, visibly moved by the moment.
Jessica Simpson singing passionately. | Source: YouTube/American Idol
At the end of her performance, she smiled bashfully, placing a hand over her midsection in a gesture that seemed to blend humility with relief, just before a wave of applause broke through the room.
Jessica Simpson after she finished her solo performance. | Source: YouTube/American Idol
Without missing a beat, Simpson shifted into her next act. With an energetic “C’mon, Josh!” she welcomed former contestant King to the stage. Dressed in a shiny suit jacket and cowboy hat, King tipped his hat in respect as they launched into a rousing duet of Simpson’s 2005 cover of “These Boots Are Made for Walkin'” — her modern twist on Nancy Sinatra’s classic.
Trading verses and stage glances, the pair brought a playful chemistry to the number, bridging generations of fans in one upbeat moment.
Jessica Simpson and Josh King performing “These Boots Are Made for Walkin'” on “American Idol.” | Source: YouTube/American Idol
In a surprise twist, King pulled out a harmonica mid-song, weaving in his own flair as Simpson held steady on the melody. By the final chorus, the duo stood shoulder to shoulder, ending on a high note before embracing in a warm hug.
Jessica Simpson dancing along as Josh King plays the harmonica. | Source: YouTube/American Idol
While the live audience responded with enthusiastic applause, the online reaction to Simpson’s return painted a far more divided picture. Moments after the episode aired, social media platforms were abuzz — not solely about her vocals, but overwhelmingly about her appearance.
Comments flooded threads across various platforms, many honing in on her facial features and speculating about cosmetic procedures. “Dear Lord. What happened to her face?” questioned one viewer, echoing the sentiments of others who were startled by her current look.
Jessica Simpson singing. | Source: YouTube/American Idol
Another lamented, “Sounds nice but omg her poor lips😢,” while someone else opined, “Too much botox & plastic surgery. She is almost unrecognizable!!! 😮.”
Much of the commentary was laser-focused on Simpson’s lips, with one netizen urging, “Please stop with the lip filler,” and another confessing, “I couldn’t handle watching her sing. Her lips and mouth are just too big.”
Jessica Simpson performing on “American Idol.” | Source: YouTube/American Idol
Yet another person observed, “All I saw was lips. 👄.” Beyond her lips, some commenters remarked on the broader changes to Simpson’s appearance, stating that she no longer looked like the star they once remembered.
Following her performances, the singer caught up with Access Hollywood to share her thoughts on the significance of her moment in the spotlight.
“I just performed live for the first time in 15 years!” she exclaimed, clearly still taking it all in. Back home, her children were FaceTiming her.
“They’ve never seen me perform on TV live,” she explained with a smile, adding, “It’s a big moment, and ‘Idol’ gave me that […] It’s a dream.”
Jessica Simpson expressing excitement over the fact that she performed on “American Idol,” posted on May 19, 2025. | Source: YouTube/Access Hollywood
While reflecting on her experience, Simpson also took a moment to offer heartfelt advice to newly crowned “American Idol” winner Jamal Roberts.
“Your career is your career, and that is something that you need to remember always,” she stated with sincerity. “Everybody’s going to try to tell you who you are, but only you know who you are — and never go against it, it’s not worth it.”
When asked about the beginning of her own journey, Simpson reminisced about her breakthrough moment in the industry. “My first big record was my first single — it was called ‘I Want to Love You Forever,'” she recalled.
“It was a big power ballad, like somebody would sing on ‘American Idol.’ Luckily, I didn’t have to sing that tonight,” she added with a laugh.
Looking ahead, Simpson revealed she’ll be stepping in front of the camera again — this time for a cameo on “All’s Fair,” an upcoming Hulu series helmed by Ryan Murphy.
“I did an episode,” she shared. “I’m with all the powerhouse ladies […] It was unbelievable […] I was in eight hours of prosthetics.”
