GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) - Stories of a struggling and emotional Jessica Simpson are still coming into the WZZM Information Center.
Simpson performed Thursday night as the opener for Rascal Flatts at the Van Andel Arena.
According to some of our viewers, Simpson struggled during her set, but told the crowd that for her fans, she was going to continue and perform.
Lisa Noskey and Sharon Stern went to see headliner Rascal Flatts, but Friday it was Jessica Simpson that they're talking about. "I remember her saying thank you for the warm welcome. I am very vulnerable right now", says Lisa. "She also started to cry at one point, then she got it together", says Sharon.
The women say the 38-minute opening act was filled with awkward moments. "She mentioned her boyfriend a lot and that he gave her strength and he relaxes her. My understanding is that he didn't make it there last night, so I think that might have had a little effect on her performance."
Lisa and Sharon weren't the only ones to notice the strange behavior. Lindsey Kern and Kristine Albert were background dancers for Rascal Flatts. They saw Simpson behind the scenes.
"We did see her backstage praying with her band. She did take some cough medicine", says Lindsey.
Lindsey and Kristine thought Simpson might be sick. The video posted on You Tube shows Jessica struggling with some of the songs.
"She would stop occasionally from singing. I think more because she couldn't hit those high notes and didn't want to strain her voice anymore than she was already doing."
We contacted Jessica Simpson's publicist in New York City. Janet Ringwood is with PMK-HBH, "Jessica had an off night. She's a perfectionist and wanted to start some of the songs over. She always wants to give her best performance to her fans."
If you were there, leave us a comment and let us know what happened from your point of view. If you took any photos, send us a copy at 123@wzzm13.com.