Was Jessica Simpson barred from the CMAs?

Posted Nov 13 via Celebitchy Nov 13, 08

Jessica Simpson's foray into country music sure isn't going well. Her concerts are booked at D-list venues and aren't selling well. She's not getting press coverage for anything but her relationship with Tony Romo. And now it looks like Jessica was either banned, not invited, or for some reason chose not to attend last night's Country Music Awards. Of course they were hosted by Romo's ex-girlfriend, Carrie Underwood, so that might have had something to do with it.

Former pop singer/actress/wife Jessica Simpson just added another stellar achievement to her disintegrating resume, the CMAs' persona non grata.

In a last ditch effort to save her career, the 'Dukes of Hazzard' star released a country album earlier this year — so it would have made sense to make an appearance at last night's show. Unfortunately, the Carrie Underwood-hosted CMAs had no time to have Tony Romo's current girlfriend perform, present or sit in the bleachers, since they had already filled their ranks with tried and true country artists like … Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon and Lil Wayne!

But don't worry, Ashlee Simpson's sister doesn't need the entire country music establishment on her side, tonight she's performing at an Indian casino near Ontario, Calif. and we're told 50% of tix are still available.

'Dancing with the Stars' here she comes!

[From TMZ]

Ouch. That article is quite a slam. Especially the part about how Simpson is only former things. Though they're technically not wrong - and considering the way her country music career is going, it appears that TMZ is right and it'll be another former on Jessica's resume.

It seems really odd that Jess didn't go to the awards. It's possible she didn't get an invitation because of Underwood, but I'd guess it's just as likely that the CMA's producers don't consider her a legitimate country artist. Obviously there were other celebrities there that aren't in country music though, so maybe Jessica has pissed off the wrong people. There's also the chance that she was invited and chose not to attend. Perhaps she was avoiding Carrie Underwood, or maybe she just didn't get the importance of the awards show to her future. Either way it was another foot in the grave for her career.

Here's Jessica leaving Madeo restaurant in Los Angeles on November 2nd. Images thanks to WENN.