Jessica Simpson’s ‘American Idol’ Season 23 Finale Performance Deemed “The Most Cringe Thing” By Critics Online: “I Was Embarrassed”

Published May 19, 2025, 2:13 p.m. ET

Jessica Simpson‘s rendition of “These Boots Are Made For Walking” has surely sewage group talking.

On Sunday night’s (May 18) Season 23 finale of American Idol, Simpson sang immoderate of her caller opus “Blame Me” anterior to taking connected her 2005 return connected nan Nancy Sinatra classical pinch Top 8 finalist Josh King, per People. According to nan outlet, this marked Simpson’s first capacity connected TV successful 15 years.

Fans online praised her “comeback,” pinch immoderate claiming they “only” tuned successful past nighttime for her performance. However, others were overmuch harsher connected Simpson, pinch critics penning connected X that she “sounded awful.”

“I was embarrassed watching Jessica Simpson’s performance,” 1 wrote.

“Update… Jessica Simpson and Josh singing these boots are made for stepping is nan astir cringe point I’ve seen,” different chimed in.

One moreover went truthful acold arsenic to telephone her “an absolute train wreck.”

Nonetheless, Simpson, who released her medium Nashville Canyon, Pt. 1 successful March, basked successful nan support she received from her 13-year-old girl Maxwell connected her Instagram story connected Monday, penning that Maxwell had “never seen” her singing connected unrecorded tv and cited “her axenic pride, emotion and support” arsenic “the reason” she is backmost connected nan stage.

“Mommy LOVES you!” she continued. “You are my guidin’ ray everlastingly for always. I americium beardown because of you my saccharine daughter.”

Jamal Roberts bested chap contestants John Foster and Breanna Nix was named nan victor connected past night’s Season 23 finale. Roberts, who sewage nan chance to execute pinch Jelly Roll, took to Instagram pursuing his victory, thanking fans successful a heartfelt post. Judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan each shared their ain posts congratulating nan show’s latest winner, arsenic good arsenic big Ryan Seacrest.