“There’s all that anxiety about your sophomore record, and I’ve been very, very pleased,” she tells KidNews. “My dreams continue to come more true every day, and that’s what my tour is about.”
The tour is called “Dreamchaser” and also features Eden’s Crush, Youngstown and Plus One, among others. The Chicago-area show kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday at Mill Run Plaza in Niles. Besides the music, concert-goers can try bungee jumping and mechanical surfing and watch motocross jumpers. (For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 312-559-1212.)
For the tour, Simpson has shed 15 pounds and worked with a choreographer after record-company executives told her she’d be more successful if she were slimmer and learned to dance. But Simpson, whose multi-octave voice needed no personal trainer, says it’s a price she was willing to pay.
“I’m gonna do all that I can to be a better artist and a better performer and to get more fans, just because I know that it’s my calling to be a positive role model for a lot of people,” she says. “As much as I would love to just sit on a stool and sing songs that I’ve written, right now that’s not what’s in.”
When a 17-year-old Simpson arrived on the pop scene, much was made of her wholesome image. Now, at 21, Simpson has raised eyebrows by displaying a sexier image. In fact, “Irresistible’s” CD cover includes a flip-out photo spread of the preacher’s daughter in short skirts and revealing blouses. Simpson, though, says the clothes don’t affect her standing as a role model.
“I try to be sexy in a classy way. Everybody wants to feel pretty,” she says. “I love all kinds of designers, and I love clothes. I would never wear anything that I feel would make me look bad as a person.”
More Top Picks Clutch Charger