Jessica Simpson Faces Harsh Critics in Wisconsin Concert

Sun, 20 July 2008 23:32:59 ET

Jessica Simpson Faces Harsh Critics in Wisconsin Concert Jessica Simpson's foray into country music isn't going as well as she expected. According to a source, as she took the stage for her debut country performance at the Country Thunder USA Festival in Randall, Wisconsin on Saturday (July 19), Jessica was greeted by her audience with a mixture of cheers and boos.

Aware of the tension from the unsure audience, she told the crowd, "I don't know what your perception is of Jessica Simpson or what tabloid you buy, but I just want you to know that I'm just a girl from Texas; I'm just like you. I'm doing what I love and dating a boy." She then began her set, which included several cover songs, such as Willie Nelson's "On the Road Again," and Shania Twain's "Who's Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?"

The singer, who achieved seven Billboard Top 40 hits, and has two gold and three multi-platinum RIAA-certified albums, received the harsh critics from many of Country music fans. "Just because she's dating Tony Romo it doesn't make her country," Mike Rodriguez told local newspaper, the Kenosha News. "She doesn't fit in with country, and I'll have to drink a lot of beer to sit through her concert," he added in a statement. Zach Schlodt, a nineteen-year-old teenager, agreed with the critic. He said that Simpson's heart isn't in country music, and she is just banking on the genre's current popularity. "She's an embarrassment to country music," he said.

Despite the tough critics around, some of the concert goers were reported by MSNBC to enjoy the performance and gave their favorable opinions. "I actually like her country songs better," Mary Grace said. "She has a great voice, plus, she's adorable."

According to a source, Jessica was predicted to face a steep competition at Country Thunder. More established country artists such as Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert and Sugarland were also on the bill.

Further, her country single, "Come on Over", was released in the United States this summer (May 27). However, her album "Do You Know?" which will be her sixth studio album is due for release on September 9.