| A native of Dallas, Jessica first developed her vocal skills in the local Baptist church where her father, a psychologist, also worked as a youth minister. When Jessica was 12 she auditioned for the Mickey Mouse Club, where Jessica's talents took her all the way to the finals. The following year while attending religious camp, Jessica delivered an acappella version of "Amazing Grace" for one of the camp's guest speakers, of whom was launching a new gospel music label. Jessica signed up. Three years later after the small label folded, Jessica took the material she had worked on and began to hit the Christian Youth Conference circuit. News of the teenage Texan with the grown-up voice soon began to filter out of the religious world and into the pop music realm and it was only a matter of time before the major labels expressed interest. In the late 90's, Jessica signed with Columbia Records. Sweet Kisses, her major label debut, was released in 1999 and spawned the smash singles "I Wanna Love You Forever," "I Think I'm In Love," and "Where You Are." Following the release of her debut, Jessica hit the road, wowing audiences worldwide with her soaring emotion-packed vocals and high-energy stage presence. The title track to Irresistible, her 2001 follow-up, was a crossover smash, charting on the Hot 100 (#15), the Rhythmic Top 40 (#12), Top 40 Mainstream (#3) and Top 40 Tracks (#5). Since the release of Irresistible, Jessica's been working on her acting résumé. In addition to her recurring role on "That 70's Show," she can be seen in an episode of UPN's "The Twilight Zone." But music remained one of Jessica's truest loves and, when it came time to make In This Skin, she was ready for this vital next stage in her career. With her new album, Jessica Simpson comes into her own as a woman and refines her ever-evolving voice as an artist. She married her longtime boyfriend and frontman of boyband 98 Degrees, Nick Lachey on the 26 October 2002. In the end, it's the strength of character that is propelling Jessica Simpson to immeasurable pop music heights.
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