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Simpson's Plant City Concert Ignites Gossip On The Web

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By DAVE NICHOLSON

dnicholson@tampatrib.com

Published: March 18, 2009

PLANT CITY - Jessica Simpson's concert at the Florida Strawberry Festival may have gotten mixed reviews from music critics.

But the 28-year-old pop-turned-country singer's looks at the festival were a big hit.

The blond diva put to rest rumors of a weight gain the minute she took the stage.

At least three celebrity Web sites ran photos and stories on Simpson and the Daisy Duke short-shorts she wore during her hourlong concert.

"While we can't speak for the 'performance,' at least her body is rockin'," said a brief story on TMZ.com.

Eonline.com had this to say: "Jessica Simpson performed last night March 8 at the Strawberry Festival in Plant City, Fla., in itty-bitty denim cutoffs and a corset so that everyone would say good things about her. (And they are!)"

Under the headline "Jessica Simpson: Smokin' in Daisy Dukes," ExtraTV.com said Simpson's weight became "a topic of national attention when she was snapped looking a little heavier at a chili cook-off earlier this year." The Web site included a photo of her at the festival and a brief article said she "rocked" the stage in her skimpy outfit.

Simpson has been criticized recently for forgetting lyrics and appearing to cry during performances, but she only had one gaffe during the March 8 show: She came on stage 30 minutes late with the cheerful greeting, "Hello, Tampa!"

Plant City Mayor Rick Lott, who was at the concert, said he and others tried to remind her that the festival is in Plant City. "We said it as loud as we could," Lott said, but Simpson either didn't hear or decided not to correct herself.

Lott explained the delay in Simpson taking the stage: He said she wanted sunlight to fade so the fans could better appreciate the lighting and see her better on the large video screens.

Simpson, whose acting credits include the 2005 film "The Dukes of Hazzard," was one of several stars during the 11-day festival.

Lott said he was pleased that the festival's entertainment caused such a splash.

"We were thrilled to get the national exposure we did," he said.

Reporter Dave Nicholson can be reached at (813) 865-4432.

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