In what was her first time back on TV in nearly two decades, Jessica Simpson ended up being dragged instead of applauded for her big moment on American Idol Season 23 finale. The multi-hyphenate American artist was paired with Josh King, a previously eliminated candidate in the running for the Idol victory, for a new live rendition of “These Boots Are Made For Walkin.” However, before unleashing their country duet moment, the fashion icon’s solo opening rolled out a performance of her brand new single “Blame Me.”
Long-standing host Ryan Seacrest also confirmed that Jessica Simpson’s American Idol finale outing marked her first “TV appearance” in 15 years. The 43-year-old pop star even debuted a freshly dyed dirty blonde hair transformation, thanks to her longtime friend Rita Hazan, who is a celebrity hair colourist and salon owner, as revealed by People.
‘Cringe’: Jessica Simpson’s American Idol return panned by fans
Simpson’s comeback could have been what dreams are made of, especially since she once auditioned for American Idol herself. Despite an early reality TV rejection, she went on to rise to pop stardom. Nonetheless, the pop icon’s Sunday TV outing was not it, as fans of the show eventually established on social media.
Although the judges trio of Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie gave her a standing ovation, the internet’s verdict strayed further, as netizens viewed the whole affair with raised eyebrows. A user went as far as jokingly insinuating that even Luke’s facial expressions were telling of his true innate thoughts despite his eventual conspicuous response to applaud the performance.
What American Idol fans wrote online
“Luke’s face during that Jessica Simpson performance is the epitome of cringe #AmericanIdol #americanidolfinale,” someone tweeted on X alongside a snap of his noticeably awkward reaction amid Jessica’s gig.
Another fan of the singing competition who tuned in for the Season 23 finale wrote, “The Jessica Simpson Josh King American Idol performance might be the most uncomfortable thing I’ve ever seen! Even the judges are cringing! His harmonica though…”
The largely panned performance had some even branding it a “train wreck.” American Idol’s official X account plugged the video of the pop queen and Josh King’s “fierce return” to the stage. The comments under the post were notably divided, but the majority stuck with calling it the “Worst performance of the night!”
Jessica Simpson was an absolute train wreck on American Idol tonight!! pic.twitter.com/lZQecL7e78
— Nigel (@NigelInTheCity) May 19, 2025
On one side, a user praised Simpson while calling out Josh King for not keeping up with her: “I was wowed and surprised how incredible Jessica Simpson sounded. Raspy and holding tunes with attitude. Awesome! She looked hot. Josh was lame. Couldn’t keep up and didn’t know what to do. Thank God for his harmonica.”
On the other, a fan wrote: “I was looking forward to see Josh & Jessica Simpson before But I’m disappointed, Did Jessica loss Her voice??? She sounded awful, Maybe they should got Josh to sing with Billy Joel Or Elton John!!!”
A fierce return from a pop queen and Josh King! 💄 It’s Jessica Simpson on #AmericanIdol!
Watch their performance here: https://t.co/eS0X3EIL2L
— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) May 19, 2025
Yet another X user claimed, “I was embarrassed watching Jessica Simpson’s performance.” Meanwhile, some even said that the Jessica who showed up for the American Idol finale on Sunday night “was NOT the Jessica Simpson that I used to know.”
Even though some praise did surface in the comments, the major criticism overshadowed any and all affirmations.
The reality TV singing competition came down to Top 3 contestants John Foster, Breanna Nix and Jamal Roberts. The latter of the three was ultimately crowned the American Idol Season 23 winner in what was described as “the biggest final vote in ABC Idol history.”