Nothing says welcome back to TV like the sounds of… the comments section. While most folks believe that all press is good press, and if you have haters, that means you’re doing something right, I fear that rule of thumb might not ring true for Jessica Simpson. The poor girl cannot catch a break. This spring, Jessica Simpson triumphantly returned to music, performing for the first time in fifteen years, surprising the crowd at Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion just outside of Austin, Texas (in addition to making SXSW appearances). The former pop star turned actress has stayed out of the limelight for quite some time, spending much of her time raising her kids and running her business, a very successful shoe brand. Before Simpson took her hiatus from performing, she tried to do what so many pop artists are doing today and gave country music a good old college try with her last studio album back in 2008. It wasn’t exactly a commercial success. But with her getting back in the studio working on her latest EP, Nashville Canyon, Part 1, it makes sense as to why she is hitting the stage again. However, her first time back on stage was met with some harsh comments. “Someone needs to be honest.” “She and Shania Twain should go on tour together… ugh.” “Honey, just take your shoe money.” “I feel like I went back to my Kansas hometown, population 2500, and the homecoming queen who never left is singing karaoke at the only bar in town.” “It’s time the fake friends tell her the truth.” @thetraveladdict.com Jessica Simpson performs “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’” in Austin, Texas. @Jessica Simpson #jessicasinpson #austin #austintexas #luckreunion #thesebootsaremadeforwalkin : @garymillershoots ♬ original sound – thetraveladdict Last night, on the American Idol finale, Simpson hoped to redeem herself with her first televised performance in fifteen years. She took to the stage in a sequin gown with Western accessories to perform her new single “Blame Me,” and to sing “These Boots Are Made For Walkin'” with contestant Josh King. While Simpson saw this as her big comeback, fans did not see it like that. Not only did she get harsh feedback for her vocals, but she also got brutal criticism for how she kissed the microphone during her performance (as well as the amount of lip filler). While I don’t think that Simpson sounded all that bad singing her new single “Blame Me,” (definitely needs some work but the voice is still there), she did look a little awkward at the end, almost unsure of where the song was supposed to end. However, I do agree with some of the feedback during “These Boots Were Made For Walkin’.” She’s putting a lot of effort into the performance, and it’s not panning out in her favor. Take a look at the video for yourself before you dive into the commentary online. I’m not sure I’d have the confidence to come back to the stage after fifteen years like Simpson, but the overall commentary is that she’s pretty rusty and not putting her best foot forward. Some users on X (formerly Twitter) even pointed out that judges like Luke Bryan seemed to be cringing while she was on stage. Take a look at some posts shared on social media. Jessica Simpson was an absolute train wreck on American Idol tonight!! pic.twitter.com/lZQecL7e78 — Nigel (@NigelInTheCity) May 19, 2025 That is not Jessica Simpson on American Idol…can’t be — WhitWhit (@WhitNix94) May 19, 2025 What in the world??? Jessica Simpson? I was scared for Josh. Seriously. @AmericanIdol pic.twitter.com/HzMTseThOM — DeePhenomenally (@Mairj4meDee) May 19, 2025 That's Jessica Simpson?! #AmericanIdol pic.twitter.com/74PozExA9H — James Lewison (@squand4) May 19, 2025 Jessica Simpson kissing that mic YIKES!! Idk why these artists keep messing with their faces. She was already stunning #AmericanIdol — Richelle Woodley (@chellied25) May 19, 2025 Now who in the board room decided Jessica Simpson’s mic was gonna be on tonight??#AmericanIdol pic.twitter.com/3t548rglpJ — Mel (@melbrown00) May 19, 2025 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… — Lisa Barciszewski (@LBarciszewski) May 19, 2025 Is she drugged outta her mind -Jessica Simpson #AmericanIdol — Jhawk (@JhawkSarge) May 19, 2025 Why was Jessica moving like she had Parkinson disease#AmericanIdol pic.twitter.com/MaLfZnqCGA — Keshia Wilis (@KeshiaWilis) May 19, 2025 Now Jessica Simpson is struggling and fighting for her life singing her biggest hit “these boots were made for walking” with a former contestant I do not remember and yes … you guuessed it … another country performance… #idolfinale #americanIdol pic.twitter.com/99DwWOEUWB — teddy (@teddyharlow_) May 19, 2025 Jessica SimpsonCarrie UnderwoodEtc. Ladies……Ladies……..Please……I’m begging you. Leave your lips alone!!#AmericanIdol pic.twitter.com/e7UgQzIQyQ — TheMagnificentMuraco (@MuracoThe) May 19, 2025 Luke’s face during that Jessica Simpson performance is the epitome of cringe #AmericanIdol #americanidolfinale pic.twitter.com/VcPQiluN6p — BEEZY GARNER (@Burke_Franklin_) May 19, 2025 what in the hell did jessica simpson do to her face? #AmericanIdol pic.twitter.com/479azlYSKK — noelle (@noellewes123) May 19, 2025 Man, Jessica Simpson pic.twitter.com/UbJy4PdDib — JustJC (@JordanR41161882) May 19, 2025  The post Jessica Simpson Makes First Televised Performance In 15 Years… And The Comments Were BRUTAL first appeared on Whiskey Riff.