Jessica Simpson May be Giving Up on Country Music

With sales totaling under 200,000 since the launch of Do You Know, Jessica Simpson's first attempt at a straight country album, she and her Nashville record label have decided to part ways. Part of the problem with such lackluster sales for Simpson is that she had the overwhelming advantages of being a household celebrity, hitting all of the major media outlets and talk shows to promote her album. She was also touring with Rascal Flatts, one of the biggest acts in country music. And even with all of that working for her, she could only muster 178,000 albums sold. That number is actually far more disturbing when considered in light of all of the advantages mentioned above.

The music industry seems to have mixed feelings about the announcement and about Simpson in general. Some feel that she has the talent to make a run as a successful country singer, but others feel that her move into country was too calculated for her to ever gain true acceptance among that demographic. Industry insiders and fellow entertainers are speculating whether her celebrity status helps or hurts her in the eyes of country music fans. Her music has definitely taken a backseat to her relationship with Tony Romo and issues such as her fluctuating weight.

One of the biggest concerns for Simpson moving forward is where to go next. Some point to her In This Skin album as a success, having sold over 3 million copies. But others are quick to note that album came out when Newlyweds was a hit show and had captured the imagination of the country. Since the demise of her marriage, Simpson has become more Paris Hilton than Carrie Underwood, at least in the eyes of the celebrity media and the people that follow it.