Singer teams up with MySpace for performance
Pop diva Jessica Simpson was voted the act the troops in Kuwait most wanted to see.
She answered their call, and along with other entertainers, teamed up with MySpace for “Operation MySpace” to perform for thousands of soldiers in Kuwait.
Timothy Lynch, a sophomore environmental studies major, said he thinks that if Simpson was voted the act the troops wanted to see, then she should entertain them and help them get through this tough time.
“If that’s what the troops wanted to see, that’s what they should do,” Lynch said. “It’s good to keep them entertained while they’re stuck over there. Something like that that would take their mind off of it is beneficial.”
MySpace, one of the world’s most popular social networks, in cooperation with the Department of Defense’s Armed Forces Entertainment and the ‘America Supports You’ program, launched ‘Operation MySpace,’ a special concert event.
‘America Supports You’ is a Department of Defense program that launched in 2004. The program allows citizens to show their support for the men and women of the Armed Forces abroad and their families, according their official Web site.
The event was created to bring entertainment from home to troops serving in Kuwait and to allow everyone in the MySpace network to show their support for troops serving overseas.
On March 10, MySpace co-founders Tom Anderson and Chris DeWolfe, along with some of today’s most popular musical acts, took part in a 3-hour MySpace live concert in Kuwait. The concert was streamed in high definition flash video using Kulabyte’s XStream Live Solutions solely on the official Operation MySpace page.
Simpson sang patriotic songs, including “God Bless America,” and was joined by the Pussycat Dolls and other bands including Disturbed, Filter and DJ Z-Trip. Comedian Carlos Mencia hosted the event.
Magda Garbowski, a junior environmental studies major, said she does not think that entertainment is what the troops need.
“I don’t think politics and entertainment are very related,” Garbowski said. “I think if she [Simpson] didn’t go, that would be negative publicity, and I don’t know anyone in their right mind who wouldn’t go and support the troops- but I don’t think a performance is the type of support the troops need.”
Jessica Simpson released a statement about her excitement to perform for the troops.
“It’s truly an honor to perform for the troops,” Jessica Simpson said in the statement. “Through Operation MySpace, I get to serve my country by doing what I love to do in front of thousands of brave men in uniform. It’s every girl’s dream!”
Ladan Assayesh, a freshman business major, said she thinks that Simpson is a sex symbol for the men and that this concert is a great way to give the troops some down time from the war.
“I think it’s a good idea, probably because it’s mostly men, and they like her,” Assayesh said. “They’re dealing with a lot of hard stuff over there, and it’s good to have a mental break.”
The Operation MySpace profile will serve as a communication forum where troops’ families and friends, along with the entire MySpace community, can post videos and messages of support by using a video blog section.
Simpson also commented in her statement on her role during the event.
“I am in Kuwait, I’m enjoying all the troops – having a blast,” she said. “[I’ve been] signing autographs, meeting them, showing all the support I can. It’s an amazing opportunity to come and support my troops. Everybody out here sacrifices their lives for me and my country.”
The show will be condensed into a one-hour special with highlights from the show on FX, which will premiere April 12.
Contact Campus Press staff writer Melanie Cohn at Melanie.Cohn@colorado.edu.
