ninemsn staffObservers blame a problem with Jessica's Simpson's strapless dress for an "awkward" performance in front of an audience of Washington's elite.
A struggling Simpson, no doubt having nightmare visions of Janet Jackson's infamous wardrobe malfunction, is seen with her left arm clung tightly across her torso, a valiant and ultimately successful attempt to keep her strapless gown upright.
A tearful Simpson had to be consoled by Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon after Simpson's embarrassing performance at the Kennedy Center Honors concert, which pays tribute to American performers.
Simpson's job was to sing a song by country queen Dolly Parton, who was an honouree at this year's star studded event.
Parton, as well President George Bush and wife Laura, sat through what some in the US media have described as a "meltdown", as Simpson attempted to pay tribute to Parton with a rendition of Dolly's white collar anthem '9 to 5'.
Simpson badly fumbled with Parton's famous lyrics, and ended her performance by saying "Dolly, that made me so nervous" before making a hasty exit from the stage.
She later reappeared on stage with Reese Witherspoon, who put a comforting arm around a tearful Simpson.
A spokesperson for Simpson said, "Jessica became emotional while performing because she has idolised Dolly her whole life and wanted the song to be perfect."
While battling with the dress, Simpson was also relying on cue cards with the famous '9 to 5' lyrics — which only added to further confuse the strapless starlet.
A television special of the event will be aired in the US on Boxing Day, however, Simpson's performance will not be part of it, and she has reportedly been asked to re-tape the song.
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