
Jessica Simpson looks back at her early career, sharing the challenges of navigating the pressures of the music industry and finding her voice after so many twists and turns.
- Mar 24, 2025
AceShowbiz - Jessica Simpson reflected on her early career. In a Rolling Stone interview, she recalled the challenges she faced in the early 2000s pop culture scene.
"I was never gonna win, because I had someone like Britney [Spears] and Christina [Aguilera] ahead of me, who were selling so many more records," she admitted. Although she initially conformed to industry demands, it only left her feeling like she was letting everyone down, including herself.
Listening to her manager's advice to write her own songs proved to be a turning point, leading to her first-ever number-one single. This moment ignited a transformation that would redefine her career and music.
In 2020, Simpson curated a 12-hour Spotify playlist featuring her favorite artists, including Brandi Carlile and Patty Griffin. The music resonated deeply with her and nudged her towards creating a sound that genuinely reflected her tastes.
This epiphany led her to Nashville, where she began an artistic rebirth, writing and recording music that felt true to her.
Partnerships also played a key role in this new chapter. Working with JD McPherson, who had recently toured with Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, gave Simpson a fresh perspective.
Initially skeptical, McPherson was won over upon hearing her inspiration playlist, sparking a fruitful collaboration that culminated in the creation of Nashville Canyon. "I'd only worn headphones and had a track in my ear," she shared, highlighting the novel experience of making music with live musicians.
However, Simpson's personal life was taking a different turn. In January 2025, she announced her permanent separation from Eric Johnson. "Eric and I have been living separately navigating a painful situation in our marriage," she explained.
This personal turmoil was hinted at in a November 2024 Instagram post where she teased new music and described her comeback as a personal apology for enduring undeserved hardships.
Now, with a renewed artistic vision and a clear sense of self, Jessica Simpson is poised to redefine her musical legacy, making music that truly represents who she is. Her journey underscores the importance of authenticity and resilience, serving as an inspiring example for young people everywhere.