Facts about Jessica Simpson:

Grew up in Richardson, Texas.

Turned down a part in Coyote Ugly (2000)

Performed at the 2000 American Music Awards.

Auditioned for the Mickey Mouse Club as a child, but lost the part to future stars like Britney Spears & Christina Aquilera (who would be her later competition in the music industry).

Attended J.J. Pearce High School in Richardson, TX (1995-1998).

1995 graduate of Richardson North Junior High in Richardson, TX.

If she had not moved to California to pursue a singing career, Jessica would have been a student at Columbine High School.

Her dad is a psychologist and minister at a Baptist church in Texas, and also manages her musical career and her official website.

Is the "oldest" of the 4 current most famous "pop queens" in music (the others are Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Mandy Moore); she was the first one to leave behind her teenage years, after she reached her 20th birthday in 2000.

Close friends with musical group Destiny's Child.

She is part of the USO tour.

Won two Teen Choice Awards including: Best Breakthrough Artist and Best Love Song with Nick Lacey.

Nominated for an American Music award.

Nominated for a Blockbuster Award.

(February 2002) Engaged to 98 Degrees singer Nick Lachey.

Personal quotes:

"I'd go to concerts and think, 'That's exactly what I want to do.'"

"I wanted to give up, but my family kept me going." - about losing a spot on The Mickey Mouse Club to Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera

"I want people to fall in love with my voice before my image."

"I'm right there ready to explode... or I could go pfffffft. No one could ever hear from me again." - about how successful her future album may be

"I have this fear of talking to people. I'm worried they won't like me. I've always had that insecurity. I tried to go up to Celine Dion at the Billboard Awards last year. She was right there, but I couldn't do it." -CosmoGIRL, February 2001

"I love Jessica Simpson. I love her voice. She's amazing." - Britney Spears