Jessica Simpson’s biggest concern about her performance Thursday at NYC’s Madison Square Garden?

Her outfit.

“I’ve had times when my pants split right down the middle when I bent down to reach a note,” the singer told fans, laughing. “That’s why I’m wearing a skort – not a skirt, not a short – just so they wouldn’t split.”

Although Simpson has struggled at some shows on her current tour, she seemed to be in good spirits, as she performed a 35-minute set before Rascal Flatts got on stage, New York’s Newsday reports.

The paper reports she “confidently rolled out her new single ‘Pray Out Loud’ and her self-esteem anthem ‘Remember That.’”

Simpson made her first live TV appearance since her much-scrutinized weight gain on Wednesday, performing her song “Pray Out Loud” on CBS’ The Early Show.

She danced around the weight issue.

“Honestly, I am right where I’m supposed to be. I am so happy,” Simpson said. “Everything’s really great.”

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Jessica Simpson, Kellie Pickler, LeAnn Rimes and Julianne Hough read live the nominees for the 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards in the Ford Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame during CBS The Early Show on February 11, 2009 in Nashville, Tn.

Jessica looks amazing!

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Jessica Simpson made her first live TV appearance since her much-scrutinized weight gain, performing her song “Pray Out Loud” on CBS’ The Early Show Wednesday morning.

Simpson – who taped her spot in Nashville, where she helped announce nominations for the 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards – briefly addressed the hype over her new curves after anchor Maggie Rodriguez mentioned all the support the singer has been receiving from fans.

“Honestly, I am right where I’m supposed to be. I am so happy,” Simpson said. “Right now I’m on tour with Rascal Flatts, having a blast. We’re at Madison Square Garden tomorrow. Everybody’s just been so warm and welcoming. Lots of hugs, I like that … Texas style.”

Rodriguez then told Simpson she looked “absolutely beautiful.”

“Everything’s really great,” she said. “It’s all about keeping the faith. That’s why I pray out loud.”

Source

Jessica Simpson is already explaining her reportedly bizarre, calamity-filled, lyric-forgetting performance in Michigan last night — chalking the whole thing up to an “off night.”

Her rep tells TMZ, “Jessica had an off night. She’s a perfectionist and wanted to start some songs over. She always wants to give the best performance for her fans.”

Jess’ recent wave of bad press continued this morning when a Grand Rapids Press editor who attended the show claimed the singer forgot her lyrics, struggled with her ear monitors, mumbled through songs, fought back tears and asked her band to re-start a song.

At one point in the show, Simpson mouthed the words “I’m sorry” to the crowd.

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After a week of weight scrutiny for Jessica Simpson, her beau, Tony Romo, has joined her on tour for some special support. “He thinks Jessica looks hot and has an amazing body,” an insider tells In Touch. “He is there to just be a good boyfriend.” The sexy singer, who’s currently on tour with Rascal Flatts, is due to perform tonight in Grand Rapids, Mo., where Tony will be cheering in the crowd. “They are having a blast and he can’t wait to see her perform,” adds the insider.

After flaunting a fuller figure at a concert in Pembroke Pines, Fla., on January 25, Jessica’s body has been the topic of talk all around the country. But Tony, 28, isn’t worried about how Jessica, 28, is handling the stress. “She’s a strong girl and has great self-confidence,” says the pal. The couple has also laughed off recent rumors of Tony’s cheating during a party at Jessica’s house. “They think all the rumors of Tony cheating are silly!”

Pictures:  Jessica arriving last night the airport in Dallas, TX.

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After all the “controversy” surrounding Jessica’s sudden onset of obesity… she has now graced the cover of two magazines.  And I’m sure these won’t be the only two!

Poor Jessica!  She wears one crappy outfit, and has the whole country in an uproar!  It’s not like there are more important issues these days…

UPDATE: I found one more cover with Jessica!  It’s after the jump… (more…)

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