’s emotional return to live television wasn’t just a long-awaited moment for fans but was a business decision with significant brand implications. Her performance on the Season 23 finale of American Idol marked her first live TV appearance in 15 years.“I was dying,” Simpson told Extra the next day. “I can’t even tell you how long it’s been since I’ve been that nervous.”

Despite the glitz and fanfare of her return, social media quickly erupted with mixed reactions, many calling the performance a “train wreck.” Some viewers pointed to her vocals as shaky, others slammed the set as underwhelming.

A historic victory for Jamal Roberts, the 2025 American Idol Champion

His performance included a duet with former American Idol contestant Josh King of her 2005 hit reinterpretation of Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made for Walking,” followed by her new single, “Blame Me.”

“Like, I had to put hairspray on my feet to stand still,” Simpson said, revealing just how intense the moment felt. “My feet were sweating. I’m like, ‘My feet don’t sweat.’”“I just kept telling myself, ‘Do not cry. Do not cry. I know this is a big moment … do not cry,'” she recalled. “And then I see my dad [Joe Simpson], like, up in the corner and I’m like, ‘Ah, I’m going to cry. I’m going to cry. Do not cry. Just sing your songs.”Reports surfaced in January that Simpson’s divorce from husband Eric Johnson was the emotional catalyst behind her return to songwriting and performing.

A source told Page Six, “Jessica has been working on new music for a while, but with everything going on now, she feels it’s the perfect time to go full force with it.”

With plans for her first album in 15 years, Simpson is leveraging her public narrative as a core component of her brand strategy.

The backlash was swift. “She was horrible. Never has been a good singer. What a train wreck,” one user commented on YouTube. Another added, “It’s a no from me, dawg. This is not a comeback.”

Still, others came to her defense. “She did great and she looks beautiful,” wrote one supporter. Another said Simpson “was having a damn good time” and that they “enjoyed seeing her up there.”

Despite the mixed reactions her American Idol return generated headlines and sparked social media chatter.