Jessica Simpson returned to the American Idol stage after 15 years during the 2025 season finale on May 18, and her performance has everyone talking — but not all for the right reasons.
Wearing a sparkling gold dress, Simpson performed with Josh King just before the winner was revealed. Together, they sang the classic “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’” and one of Simpson’s new tracks, “Blame Me,” from her EP Nashville Canyon.
Social Media Reacts: “Cringe” or “Crushed It”?
As soon as Simpson hit the stage, fans rushed to social media with strong opinions. Many viewers found the performance awkward and uncomfortable.
“The Simpson Josh King American Idol performance might be the most uncomfortable thing I’ve ever seen! Even the judges are cringing! His harmonica though…” one fan tweeted.
“Luke’s face during that Jessica Simpson performance is the epitome of cringe,” another fan said, referring to Idol judge Luke Bryan.
Others questioned why Simpson was part of the finale at all:
“American Idol is just pulling the most random people for this finale. Why the heck is Jessica Simpson on here lol,” one viewer posted.
“Ewww! Jessica Simpson used to be able to sing, but she sounds HORRIBLE tonight!” another added.
One person even went full caps lock:
“WHO TOLD JESSICA SIMPSON SHE CAN SING AND WHY IS SHE STILL TRYING?”
Not Everyone Hated It
Despite the backlash, some fans were loving Simpson’s moment in the spotlight:
“Jessica Simpson absolutely killed it!!” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“Jessica Simpson crushed it,” added another.
There were also fans who didn’t expect to enjoy the surprise duo — but were won over:
“Did not have Jessica Simpson on my #AmericanIdol finale Bingo Card — much less partnered with Josh King. Nor Josh in a cowboy hat. But it absolutely worked.”
A Star-Studded Finale Night
Simpson’s performance was one of many musical acts during the American Idol 2025 finale, which featured finalists John Foster, Jamal Roberts, and Breanna Nix battling it out for the crown.
Meanwhile, host Ryan Seacrest reminded fans that this was Simpson’s first time performing on American Idol in over a decade.