In an age when the susect behavior of many young stars has people concerned over the type of role models kids have to look up to, a new star has risen by doing it her own special way. Jessica Simpson, the 19-year-old Dallas native with a heavenly voice and figure, has made a name for herself in the last year. She has toured with 98 degrees and Ricky Martin, and even dates Nick Lachey of the aforementioned group. Everything she touches seem to turn to platinum (records that is,) from her first hit single "I Wanna Love You Forever," to her debut album SWEET KISSES. She has already been compared to the likes of Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera and she has only just begun. But, there is something different about young Jessica that one might miss at first glance. Remember, you can't judge a book by its cover.
Probably the most important part of Jessica is her close relationship with her family, which goes closely along with her unbending belief in God. Jessica is devoutly religious, something rare among people of her age and position. She is not one to preach, but rather leads by example. An example that she derives from the support that her family has given her all along. You see, Jessica's family is never far from her. Her mother is in charge of her wardrobe on tour and her younger sister dance alongside of her on stage. I guess it's just a matter of time until all the Simpson girls are great big stars! The biggest influence on her life could be her father, a psychologist and youth minister, who has always been there for her providing guidance in her hectic life.
Jessica has not only been affected in her personal life by her association with the church. Like so many famous singers and musicians before her, Jessica found her love for music in the church. It was in the local Baptist church where she first developed her singing skills. Jessica got her first break singing an a cappella version of "Amazing Grace" while at summer camp. One of the guest speakers at the camp was starting a gospel label and decided to take a chance on the young vocalist. That break lead to many years honing her skills on the gospel circuit and in Christian music. When it came time to sign with a non-Christian label, Jessica was sure to make it clear that she would stay true to what she believes in at all costs. That strategy surely paid off, Jessica has pole-vaulted up the charts and warmed are hearts. You can really feel her conviction in her passionate recordings filled with positive messages like, "I Wanna Love You Forever" and "Where You Are" on which she sings a duet with 98 degrees boyfriend Nick Lachey.
Jessica is smart, beautiful and humble. She has kept her feet firmly grounded throughout her rise to fame. She admits that she is still very innocent, but insists that innocence can be sexy. We can't argue with that! Being secure with her sexuality while not having sex is not a problem for the teen who practices abstinence. On stage she can be dynamic and exudes loads of energy. Before each show she says a prayer and drinks a warm cup of tea with lemon. She wears stretch leather pants and has the allure of a mature woman, but she is still just a Texas girl who's proud of her upbringing, well-spoken and well-adjusted. She's a new star with old time morals and a voice that can knock you out of your seat. But who would be sitting in their seat at a Jessica Simpson/Ricky Martin show anyway?
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