Fans Slam Jessica Simpson's 'American Idol' Performance: 'Cringe'
Jessica Simpson performed during the American Idol 2025 season finale on May 18, but a lot of fans weren't loving it.
In fact, many fans slammed Simpson on social media, saying the musical performance made them "cringe."
Simpson performed with Josh King shortly before the winner was announced, appearing in a gold dress.
"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…" wrote one fan.
"Luke's face during that Jessica Simpson performance is the epitome of cringe," wrote another fan, mentioning Judge Luke Bryan.
But not everyone hated Simpson's performance. "Jessica Simpson she absolutely killed it!!," wrote a fan on X.
"Jessica Simpson crushed it," a fan wrote.
Simpson sang the iconic song, These Boots Are Made for Walkin'. She also performed a song from her EP Nashville Canyon, called Blame Me. Ryan Seacrest told the audience it was Simpson's first performance on the show in 15 years.
However, a lot of people panned the performance.
"American Idol is just pulling the most random people for this finale why they heck is Jessica Simpson on here lol," a fan opined.
"Ewww! Jessica Simpson USE TO be able to really sing, but she sounds HORRIBLE tonight!" a fan wrote.
"Jessica Simpson was painful," another person wrote.
Simpson was just one of many musical artists to perform at the finale, in which John Foster, Jamal Roberts, and Breanna Nix competed to be the 2025 winner.
Fans weren't very kind after Simpson's performance. "WHO TOLD JESSICA SIMPSON SHE CAN SING AND WHY IS SHE STILL TRYING?" wrote one fan on X, using all caps.
"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," another fan decided.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
The Weeknd on the ‘Deeply Psychological, Emotional Ride' Behind the Music in His ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow' Film
The following story contains spoilers from Hurry Up Tomorrow. Four months after The Weeknd released his Billboard 200-topping album Hurry Up Tomorrow, XO fans are finally able to watch the film that inspired its inception in theaters, starting Friday (May 16). More from Billboard The Weeknd Reveals 'Hurry Up Tomorrow' Album 'Didn't Exist' Before the Film 'American Idol': How to Watch Season 23 Finale Online REI Anniversary Sale: Shop the 20 Best Tech, Clothing & Outdoor Deals for Up to 30% Off Directed by Trey Edward Shults, Hurry Up Tomorrow follows a fictional version of the superstar (also named Abel) who's 'plagued by insomnia' and 'is pulled into an odyssey with a stranger who begins to unravel the very core of his existence,' according to the official synopsis. But what's soundtracking his nightmarish journey digs even deeper into The Weeknd's lore. 'Wake Me Up,' the Justice-featuring synth-pop album opener, also serves as the film's opening 'concert song.' The show The Weeknd performs at a that looks identical to the ones he held in Brazil and Australia last fall, where he wore a black and gold kaba — a hand-embroidered Ethiopian robe historically worn by royals and traditionally worn at weddings — and sang atop a rock-hewn church, resembling Lalibela, in the northern region of his motherland. He debuted 'Wake Me Up' at his São Paulo show in September. 'We always wanted a performance song that we can open the film with, and in the vein of a pop record, and 'Wake Me Up' was the inspiration,' The Weeknd tells Billboard. He performs the song again at a different concert later in the film, where he ends up losing his voice – mimicking The Weeknd's real-life experience at Inglewood's SoFi Stadium in September 2022, when he had to cut his concert short for the same reason. That incident, as well as The Weeknd's sleep paralysis diagnosis, are key influences in Hurry Up Tomorrow. The film's Oscar-winning sound designer Johnnie Burn says they remixed the first 'Wake Me Up' performance in the film '35 times, trying to get the balance of how much crowd sound you would hear, how the music would come across. Are you hearing it from Abel's perspective? We tried that. Are you hearing it from the audience's perspective? No. Are you hearing it from a deeply psychological, emotional ride? Yeah, you are.' Burn, who says he went from 'dancing around my kitchen to Abel's music' as a fan to 'dancing around the mixing room' with the man himself, says the process involved everything from asking Mike Dean for 'a new synth line that sounds a bit more live' to miking The Weeknd while he recorded new lyrics that better suited the storyline. When The Weeknd was changing up a few lyrics during the cutaways, 'I said, 'Well, you're probably in quite an adrenaline state when you go out in front of 80,000 people.' So I made him do push-ups to get kind of worked up,' Burn recalls with a chuckle. 'He was like, 'What, now?' And I was like, 'Yeah, get down and give me 20.'' Burn says the song that required the most fine-tuning was the cathartic centerpiece 'Hurry Up Tomorrow,' which The Weeknd explains was inspired by the titular track from Robert Altman's 1973 satirical noir film The Long Goodbye, because of how frequently it appears. 'You hear it throughout the entire film, different iterations of it. You hear it on the radio, you hear a pop version of it, subjectively in the score, diegetically, a mariachi band will sing it every time he goes to Mexico. And I wanted to do that with 'Hurry Up Tomorrow,'' he explains. Abel first plays Anima (played by Jenna Ortega) a stripped-down draft of it off his phone in a hotel room. Moved to tears, Anima admits she relates to its autobiographical lyrics — because her father left when she was a kid, her mother struggled to raise her alone and she abandoned home to forge her own path that's fraught with inescapable loneliness. The next morning, Abel turns around while sitting on the hotel bed and faintly hears Anima singing some of the first verse in the shower behind closed doors. He later encounters his younger self, who's swaddled in a gabi, a white handwoven Ethiopian cotton blanket, and singing a few lines in Amharic, the primary language of Ethiopia. But after Anima douses him and the hotel bed he's tied to with gasoline — and right as she holds a lighter above him — Abel belts an a cappella version that feels like he is literally singing for his life: 'So burn me with your light/ I have no more fights left to win/ Tie me up to face it, I can't run away, and/ I'll accept that it's the end.' 'You're seeing the making of it, not literally me making it, but the themes and the concept and the melody and the soul of it is being made throughout the film. By the end of it, it's fully blossomed into this song, which essentially is what the film is saying,' says The Weeknd, who adds that he had 'to finish the lyrics the night before I had to perform it at the end.' But outside of the Hurry Up Tomorrow tracks, fans will be surprised to hear two earlier songs from The Weeknd's discography in the film: his 2021 blockbuster hit 'Blinding Lights' – which is the top Billboard Hot 100 song of all time – and 'Gasoline,' the first track from his 2022 album Dawn FM. Anima analyzes the emptiness and heartache in the songs as she hysterically lip-syncs and dances to them, and she later questions Abel if he's the true toxic subject behind his music. 'What I am doing by the end of the film is, I'm lighting my persona up on fire. But to tap into that, you need to go into the back catalog a little bit, and take in what I'm saying in some of these lyrics and how they're masked by pop elements,' he says. 'It's always been a joke that joke with The Weeknd music, where it makes you sing and dance and it feels jolly. And then when you actually get into the themes of it, it's something much deeper — and maybe a call for help, who knows. That's how [Anima's] reading it, and essentially forcing myself to face myself.' There are other callbacks to his catalog in the sound design. The guttural shrieks heard right after Anima swings a champagne bottle over Abel's head and knocks him out when he first tries leaving the hotel room sound reminiscent of the title track of his 2013 debut studio album Kiss Land. The 'Easter eggs,' as Burn calls them, extend beyond the film — as fans pointed out online that the ending of 'Hurry Up Tomorrow,' which serves as the final track of The Weeknd's album, seamlessly transitions into the beginning of 'High For This,' the first track off his 2011 debut mixtape House of Balloons. While Hurry Up Tomorrow bids farewell to the character Abel Tesfaye has played for over a decade, it also underscores the long-standing symbiotic relationship between music and film in The Weeknd's world. 'When you hear the screams in the record and you hear all these horror references and you feel scared, listen to the music — because I want you to feel what I'm feeling. Kiss Land is like a horror movie,' The Weeknd told Complex in his first-ever interview back in 2013. 'We wanted to do something we've never seen or heard on screen before,' he says now. 'We were able to do these big swings, and I think they landed well in the film. I'm really proud of the music, and I'm proud of the sonics of it. It's much different from the album. It's like its own experience.' Best of Billboard Kelly Clarkson, Michael Buble, Pentatonix & Train Will Bring Their Holiday Hits to iHeart Christmas Concert Fox Plans NFT Debut With $20 'Masked Singer' Collectibles 14 Things That Changed (or Didn't) at Farm Aid 2021
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Yahoo
Jessica Simpson Gets Emotional Over Lookalike Daughter Maxwell's Major Milestone
Where did time go? Jessica Simpson's eldest daughter Maxwell, 13, just celebrated a major milestone and mom is all in her feelings. Simpson celebrated Maxwell's graduation from the sixth grade on June 3 with a sweet mother-daughter Instagram selfie. The golden light of the day shined bright on the twinning family members. Simpson looked radiant with her long, blonde locks gently framing her face while Maxwell adorably made a funny face. More from SheKnows Why Malia Obama Quietly Dropped Her Last Name - And What Michelle Really Thinks About It 'Let the good times roll into the 7th grade my beautiful Maxwell Drew 🎓✨💛,' wrote the proud mom in the caption. Simpson, who shares Maxwell, son Ace, 11, and daughter Birdie, 6, with estranged husband Eric Johnson, often speaks about how motherhood shaped her adult life, especially when it comes to body image. 'Raising Maxwell makes me realize that I don't want her to see me beat myself up for things like food choices or numbers on a scale,' she told People in 2013. 'Those things don't determine who we are and instead make us feel terrible about ourselves I want her to know her value, rather than spending her energy fighting negative voices from within.' The 44-year-old singer praised her teen daughter for being 'a leader, a doer, a protector, a light, a determined force, a lover of life, a goofball, a treasure, a creative, a care bear, a trusted wise old soul' in a May 11 Mother's Day post. She continued, 'Maxwell is indeed a drama free intuitive feelin' empath. She is an inspiration to all who know her, follow her and confide in her.' Simpson revealed that her mother, Tina, treated Maxwell to a Parisian trip in honor of her 13th birthday on May 1. '3 generations 3 connected hearts 3 spirit-filled souls 3 women who smile, laugh, and shine brighter through it all ✨💛💛💛✨,' gushed the 'I Wanna Love You Forever' singer. 'It is official…I AM THE MOTHER OF A TEENAGER, and I LOVE IT.' Maxwell is one lucky teen to have Simpson as a mom!Best of SheKnows From Free-Range to Fully Offbeat, These Celebs Embrace Unconventional Parenting Styles These '90s Girl Names Are All That and a Bag of Chips 26 Stunning, Unique Jewelry Brands & Pieces for Teens
Time Magazine
a day ago
- Time Magazine
The Top 10 TV Comedies of All Time According to AI
This article is published by a partner of TIME. Laughter is a universal language, and television comedies have long been the perfect medium for delivering humor to audiences worldwide. From laugh-out-loud slapstick to biting satire, TV comedies have entertained viewers by reflecting everyday life, poking fun at societal norms, and creating larger-than-life characters. Great comedies do more than just make us laugh—they become cultural touchstones, shaping our sense of humor and providing comfort during tough times. The best TV comedies are timeless, often becoming staples of pop culture and sources of memorable catchphrases, iconic moments, and quotable one-liners. They resonate because of their ability to balance humor with relatable themes, and the greatest shows often tackle significant issues with wit and insight. Whether it's a workplace sitcom, a family comedy, or an ensemble show about friendships, these series remain etched in our collective memory. Using research assistance from ChatGPT, this list celebrates the top 10 TV comedies of all time, showcasing their brilliance, impact, and ability to make audiences laugh across generations. From groundbreaking classics to modern favorites, these shows have defined the genre and secured their place in television history. 1. Friends 'Friends' became a cultural phenomenon with its iconic portrayal of six friends navigating life, love, and careers in New York City. Its blend of humor, romance, and heartfelt moments captivated audiences and ensured its place as a beloved classic. 2. The Office (US) Adapted from the UK series, 'The Office' (US) found its unique voice with a mockumentary-style portrayal of office life at Dunder Mifflin. Its humor, driven by quirky characters and awkward situations, made it a standout comedy. 3. Seinfeld Often referred to as "a show about nothing," 'Seinfeld' perfected observational humor, turning mundane situations into comedic gold. Its sharp writing and memorable characters left an indelible mark on the comedy genre. 4. Parks and Recreation Set in the quirky town of Pawnee, Indiana, 'Parks and Recreation' captured hearts with its lovable characters and feel-good humor. Its mix of absurdity and sincerity made it a standout in the workplace comedy genre. 5. I Love Lucy One of the earliest and most influential sitcoms, 'I Love Lucy' broke ground with its slapstick humor, innovative storytelling, and Lucille Ball's brilliant comedic timing. 6. The Simpsons The longest-running animated sitcom, 'The Simpsons' has parodied every aspect of modern society while telling the story of the dysfunctional but lovable Simpson family. First Aired: 1989 Creators: Matt Groening Key Characters: Homer Simpson, Marge Simpson, Bart Simpson, Lisa Simpson, Maggie Simpson Memorable Episodes: 'Marge vs. the Monorail,' 'Homer at the Bat,' 'Cape Feare' Cultural Impact: Influenced animation and satire, becoming a cultural touchstone Awards: Over 35 Emmy Awards Legacy: Continues to entertain audiences across generations 7. Cheers Set in a Boston bar where "everybody knows your name," 'Cheers' charmed audiences with its witty dialogue and endearing ensemble cast. Its balance of humor and heartfelt moments made it a classic. 8. Arrested Development 'Arrested Development' broke sitcom conventions with its clever writing, intricate storylines, and dysfunctional Bluth family. Despite initial ratings struggles, it gained a devoted fanbase and critical acclaim. 9. Modern Family 'Modern Family' redefined family sitcoms with its mockumentary format and diverse characters. Its heartfelt humor and relatable themes resonated with audiences of all ages. 10. 30 Rock A witty satire of the television industry, '30 Rock' dazzled audiences with its rapid-fire jokes, absurd humor, and unforgettable characters. Its mix of clever writing and stellar performances set it apart. Conclusion on Top 10 TV Comedies The top 10 TV comedies of all time reflect the evolution of humor, storytelling, and societal norms across decades. From the heartfelt friendships in 'Friends' to the satirical brilliance of '30 Rock,' these shows have captured audiences' hearts and left lasting impressions. They have endured beyond their original airings, continuing to entertain and inspire through reruns and on streaming platforms. Each of these shows not only brought laughter but also redefined what comedy could achieve, balancing humor with depth and relatability. As these comedies continue to find new audiences, their timelessness proves that great storytelling and humor will always stand the test of time. Related Articles: About the Authors: Richard D. Harroch is a Senior Advisor to CEOs, management teams, and Boards of Directors. He is an expert on M&A, venture capital, startups, and business contracts. He was the Managing Director and Global Head of M&A at VantagePoint Capital Partners, a venture capital fund in the San Francisco area. His focus is on internet, digital media, AI and technology companies. He was the founder of several Internet companies. His articles have appeared online in Forbes, Fortune, MSN, Yahoo, Fox Business and Richard is the author of several books on startups and entrepreneurship as well as the co-author of Poker for Dummies and a Wall Street Journal-bestselling book on small business. He is the co-author of a 1,500-page book published by Bloomberg on mergers and acquisitions of privately held companies. He was also a corporate and M&A partner at the international law firm of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe. He has been involved in over 200 M&A transactions and 250 startup financings. He can be reached through LinkedIn. Dominique Harroch is the Chief of Staff at She has acted as a Chief of Staff or Operations Leader for multiple companies where she leveraged her extensive experience in operations management, strategic planning, and team leadership to drive organizational success. With a background that spans over two decades in operations leadership, event planning at her own start-up and marketing at various financial and retail companies. Dominique is known for her ability to optimize processes, manage complex projects and lead high-performing teams. She holds a BA in English and Psychology from U.C. Berkeley and an MBA from the University of San Francisco. She can be reached via LinkedIn.
