Viewers of the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards were surprised to see Jessica Simpson on the red carpet and stage of the ceremony — the singer appeared on the show for the first time in 17 years.

The singer of the hit With You came to the event on September 7 in a spectacular black lace dress with cutouts in the neckline. Simpson beamed and clearly enjoyed her rare public appearance. The star’s image was completed with a sleek ponytail and massive chain earrings.

However, many viewers barely recognized the artist. Comments like: “Is this really Jessica Simpson???”, “I didn’t recognize her” and “She’s changed so much” began to appear on social network X (formerly Twitter). Some wondered if the singer had removed fillers from her lips, noting that her appearance had become younger. Others doubted that it was really her on the screen.

But some supported Simpson. “She looks amazing!” fans wrote, and someone added: “Jessica Simpson is just wow.”

The singer came to the VMAs together with her sister, Ashley Simpson. On her Instagram, a few days before the event, she fueled interest with a post: “Going back to where it all began!”

This spring, the artist released the EP Nashville Canyon, Part 1, and in early September, she presented the sequel – Part 2. In a post from September 5, Jessica noted that for her, the new songs are a path to honesty, healing, and finding strength.

After her January breakup with her husband, Eric Johnson, the star admitted that she feels more alive than ever:

“This is honest, this is real, this is me walking towards my purpose as an artist. Now is the time to share my journey of self-discovery.”

In an interview with E! News in May, she said that she feels an inner lightness and as if spiritual strength protects her. “I grew up in a pastor’s family, and I always did what the labels demanded of me. But now I work for myself – to be sincere, real, and make the music I want,” the singer emphasized.