Jessica Simpson returned to television screens following a 15-year absence.
Simpson, 44, performed during the Sunday, May 18, American Idol finale, hitting the stage to deliver two tracks: her new song “Blame Me” and her famed 2005 rendition of “These Boots Are Made For Walkin,” a reimagining of Nancy Sinatra’s 1966 hit.
The “Boots” performance saw Simpson team up with Josh King, who was earlier eliminated in season 23, much to the delight of the filming’s full house.
Idol host Ryan Seacrest confirmed that the performance, which drew a standing ovation from judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie, was Simpson’s first “TV appearance” in 15 years.
Simpson’s return also attracted mammoth applause from the crowd as she rocked the room in a bronze sparkly dress that featured a high slit.
Simpson took to Instagram earlier on Sunday to reveal preparations ahead of her performance. Sharing a video that captured her name written across her trailer door, the singer then revealed herself entering the trailer in a slouchy black knit and oversized sunglasses.
Simpson cheekily poked her tongue out at the camera before flashing a wide grin.
The reality series’ finale saw Jamal Roberts crowned the winner of American Idol, beating out John Foster and Breanna Nix as America’s favorite singer. The episode started with the trio performing Queen’s “We Are the Champions” before Seacrest, 50, reminded viewers that voting was officially open.
Simpson joined a major roll call of celebrity performances during the evening which included Good Charlotte, Goo Goo Dolls, Brandon Lake, Salt-N-Pepa and more.
As Simpson continues her return to the spotlight, she is sharing her journey via her socials, revealing recently that she’s found an unusual hack to help her vocal cords.
“It’s, like, this Chinese herb thing and I’m, like, ‘I don’t know. My vocal coach told me to drink it,’” Simpson told her fans in a March 28 Instagram video before revealing that the ingredient was “snake sperm.”
She succinctly captioned the video, “🎤🐍🧪.”
Simpson recently released her first record in 15 years, an EP titled Nashville Canyon, Part 1, and took to Instagram in March to reveal its origins and her inspiration. “I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free. His eyes are on the sparrow and I know He watches me,” she wrote at the time. “God told me I needed to feel the fear and do it anyway as I’m moving into my truth while embracing the beauty of uncertainty.”
Simpson continued, “#NashvilleCanyon is the result of learning to hear my heart again, free from industry expectations. It’s about surrendering, letting my voice be my main guide, and trusting the journey ahead. Always inviting God into the room where music creates itself, with a voice that communicates on a spiritual level of grace without fear and allowing the music to be my main voice.”
