Jessica Simpson Weighs Thank You to Fans

Following week of criticism over her too tight jeans, singer gives shout-out to supporters

She may not be able to get into those Daisy Dukes these days, but Jessica Simpson wants you to know that's besides the point.

Ridiculed by the tabloids for appearing curvier than usual at a concert in South Florida last week, the Irresistible singer thanked fans for their support as she opened for Rascal Flatts at a show in Charlottesville, Va., without directly addressing the weighty issues surrounding her.

"I feel like in our world today we focus on so many things that are completely pointless. Please remember, no matter what you go through in life, somebody else might have it harder. So just appreciate," Simpson, clad in black leather pants, said before belting out "Pray Out Loud."

The 28-year-old popster, who received words of support in recent days from sister Ashlee Simpson Wentz, brother-in-law Pete Wentz and even Kim Kardashian, kicked off her 40-minute set with a cover of Nancy Sinatra's "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'," then segued into "Still Beautiful," before speaking to the crowd.

"This song is off my new record, and it's about finding the beauty in life, no matter what happens," she told concertgoers at the University of Virginia's John Paul Jones Arena. "Always remember that someone out there has it worse than you."

Later on, Simpson paid tribute to those who've stuck by her while she "did the crossover thing" and tried her hand at country music.

"I want to thank my fans. You're the most wonderful loyal fans in the world," she shouted.

At the end her set, Simpson gushed, "Stay positive and pray out loud! I love you guys, good night."