Jessica Simpson - Real-Life Reader Biography Author:John Bankston As the daughter of a Baptist Minister, Jessica Simpson grew up singing gospel music in her father's church. From the age of five, she gained valuable experience singing in front of an audience. As she grew older, Jessica yearned for a career as a pop music star. When she was 12, she auditioned for the New Mickey Mouse Club along with Britney Spe... more »ars and Christina Aguilera. She didn't get a part on the show. Soon after, she signed a contract with a gospel music label that went out of business before Jessica's album was complete. And though it looked like she would never get her break in the music business, Jessica continued to try. When Tommy Mottola of Columbia Records finally signed her to a four-year record deal, Jessica knew it was only the beginning. Regardless of her eventual stardom, Jessica vows to remain true to herself. "I want to be an example to girls all over the world," she told Mottola, "that you don't have to compromise who you are to be a success in the music business."« less