MTV VMAs 2025: Ashlee Simpson Reveals Advice from Diana Ross

Ashlee Simpson loves every piece of her mother-in-law Diana Ross.

As Britney Spears readied herself to perform in her Las Vegas residency, she sought counsel from her husband Evan Ross’s mother before taking the stage. She shared this advice during a visit to the MTV Music Video Awards 2025.

Ashlee expressed during a September 7 interview with TopMob News outside the UBS Arena in Elmont, NY, that she advised, “Just be true to yourself, trust your instincts, and do what feels right for you.” She added, “I support you.

Although Ashlee, aged 40, has often taken the stage with her partner, the father of her children Jagger, 10, and Ziggy, 4, in their duo known as Ashlee + Evan, she confessed that it was a thrill to perform her classic hits alone at The Venetian Resort’s Voltaire nightclub. (For more on Ashlee, Evan, and other couples who graced the MTV VMAs in 2025, see here.)

She shared, “It’s a treat for me to climb up there and rehearse those old shows and songs that I haven’t played in such a long time. Knowing how it feels for me to perform them once more must resonate with my audience in an equally amazing way.

As she put it, “Just to feel that love has been super nice it’s been a blast.”

The singer famously known as “La La” (who also happens to be the mother of 16-year-old Bronx with ex Pete Wentz) is experiencing a renewed sense of self, expressing that she’s regained her rhythm. She further shares a delightful surprise: “Now my kids think I’m cool! I can hardly believe it!

Additionally, Ashlee mentioned that having her spouse of 11 years present during her stage performance in the “Autobiography” has been an extra delight.

Evan has never had a chance to witness me perform live,” she exclaimed with delight. “Although we’ve played gigs together before, he’s never caught my performance and when he did, he said, ‘Wow, you’re amazing!’ I was deeply moved by his compliment. It was the sweetest thing ever; it made me say ‘Aw.’

With Ashlee once again gracing the stage, there’s a possibility she might collaborate with her elder sister, Jessica Simpson, at some point down the line. (For further insights into Jessica’s scarce MTV VMAs appearances and other red carpet moments, check it out here.)

She firmly believes that’s a possibility. In fact, it’s an idea we’re quite excited about. It’s been delightful exploring those shared memories again, offering encouragement, and expressing affection for one another.

Keep reading for every star who hit the MTV VMAs red carpet…

—Reporting by Emily Curl