Jessica Simpson To Headline Women Who Rock Benefit Concert

Jessica Simpson is continuing her return to music by headlining the Women Who Rock Benefit Concert presented by Gibson Gives. Proceeds from the event support Magee-Womens Research Institute, the nation’s first and largest research institute dedicated to women’s health.

As an announcement about the benefit points out, “This isn’t just a concert—it’s a call to action. Less than 10% of all federal health research funding goes to women’s health research, and even those dollars are in jeopardy.” 

The event takes place Sept. 5 at Stage AE in Pittsburgh. 

“At Women Who Rock, we believe in the power of music to drive real change and right now, that change is urgently needed,” Melinda Colaizzi, Founder of Women Who Rock, said in a statement. “Women are still fighting for equality in music, in healthcare, and in how their stories are told. At a time when women’s health research is critically underfunded and facing devastating federal cuts, our mission has never been more urgent. We’re deeply honored to have Jessica Simpson, a powerful mom, entrepreneur, and music icon headline this year’s benefit concert in support of Magee-Womens Research Institute. We’re also incredibly thankful for Gibson’s continued support of our movement helping us amplify our mission.”

Simpson took the stage last night on “American Idol,” marking her first televised performance in 15 years. She showed off the track “Blame Me,” from her new EP, Nashville Canyon: Part I, and shared a cover of Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made for Walkin,’” joined by “Idol” contestant Josh King.

The “Idol” performance followed Simpson’s appearance at South By Southwest in March. 

Nashville Canyon: Part I, which was released in March, is described as a return to Simpson’s roots, “drawing from rockabilly, Americana, and soul.” This is her first new release since her 2010 holiday album, Happy Christmas. Before that she released her sixth studio album, Do You Know, in 2008. 

The Women Who Rock Benefit Concert will also feature DJ ms.TIZA, Buffalo Rose and a performance from this year’s WWR Rising Star Contest Winner. The event – which will be emceed by Kelly Dzanaj, on-air personality for 100.7 Star FM – will also honor Survivors Who Rock, presented by UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital. Fashion designer Kiya Tomlin is being honored with the 2025 WWR Impact Award presented by Peoples, an Essential Utilities Company.

“Women’s health continues to play catch up, in clinical trials, and in research funding. The support provided by organizations like Women Who Rock and Gibson Gives is crucial to fuelling research and innovation in women’s health. We must continue these kinds of partnerships to accelerate action and change the way the world treats women,” said Michael Annichine, CEO, Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation.

Beth Heidt, Chief Marketing Officer at Gibson, added, “Now more than ever, it is vital to shine a light on women’s health, to insist and ensure that the desperately needed research, funding and access is provided. Women Who Rock and the Magee-Womens Research Institute align with the values of Gibson Gives in supporting the whole health of all communities.”

Gibson Gives is the philanthropic division of Gibson, which supports non-profit organizations and developing programs to advance musicians through music education, and health and wellness initiatives worldwide. In the last five years, Gibson Gives has raised over $5.5 million dollars.

Tickets for 2025’s Women Who Rock Benefit Concert are on sale now via axs.com.