Ashlee Simpson, the 39-year-old singer and younger sibling to Jessica Simpson, has recently opened up about her journey in the music industry and the unique dynamic of growing up in the shadow of her successful sister.
In a candid conversation on the "Broad Ideas with Rachel Bilson & Olivia Allen" podcast, Simpson delved into her relationship with her sister, her infamous "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) performance, and the lessons she's learned along the way.
Despite following a similar career path to her sister Jessica, Ashlee insists that she never felt overshadowed or in competition with her. "At times there were moments, maybe it was on tour, I was like, 'Hey, look at me over here,' but our relationship, as a whole, has always been very close," she explained. Ashlee highlighted their mutual support and the individuality she maintained despite their shared profession.
"I felt like my own person," she emphasized, acknowledging the strength and resilience they both possess.
One of the most pivotal moments in Ashlee's career was her 2004 SNL performance, where a technical glitch exposed her lip-syncing, leading to widespread criticism. Reflecting on the incident, Ashlee shared that she had lost her voice prior to the show due to vocal nodules and had initially declined to perform.
The backlash was intense, with "awful, awful things" said about her, but it taught her "the power of no" and the importance of standing firm in her abilities. "It was a humbling moment for me," she admitted, crediting a vocal coach with helping her avoid surgery and regain her confidence.
Despite the setbacks, Ashlee returned to SNL the following year in an attempt to redeem herself and continued to produce music, with her last album "Bittersweet World" released in 2008 and her most recent single "Bat for a Heart" in 2012. In 2018, she ventured back into music with her husband Evan Ross under the band name Ashlee + Evan, even embarking on a brief tour to support their self-titled EP in 2019.
Throughout her career, Ashlee has navigated the challenges of public scrutiny, familial relationships, and personal growth. Her story is one of resilience, the complexity of sibling dynamics in the public eye, and the continual evolution of an artist striving to carve her own path while remaining true to her roots.
