Ashlee Simpson Returns to the VMAs 17 Years Later in a Lace-Up Cutout Gown

And she shared a kiss with husband Evan Ross on the red carpet.

The Gist

• Ashlee Simpson made her return to the VMAs after 17 years on September 7 to present an award.
• She wore a slinky, lace-up cutout halter gown and rocked wavy red hair.
• She shared a kiss with husband Evan Ross on the red carpet.

A Y2K revival really is upon us. Freaky Friday got a sequel. Miranda Priestly is back to strutting around the streets of New York. Jessica Simpson is releasing new music. And her sister, Ashlee, is back at the VMAs—after a 17 year hiatus, no less.

The singer, who is slated to present an award during tonight's ceremony, walked the red carpet at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena in New York on September 7. She opted for an edgy, slinky black gown for her comeback. The top of the dress featured a glittery halter top with daring side cutouts. The front and the back of the top were held together with thin ties laced in a criss-cross pattern, and the ties fell in long strands down her back. The long black skirt of the gown also featured small glittering embellishments and a few fringe details around the hem.

Ashlee completed the rock n' roll look with XL auburn hair in crimped waves, a pair of sky-high black strappy heels, and a smokey eye look.

Ashlee was joined on the red carpet by her husband of 11 years, Evan Ross, who coordinated with his wife in a black suit. The pair shared a sweet kiss as they posed together.

The couple share two children, daughter Jagger Snow, born in July 2015, and son Ziggy Blu, born in October 2020. Ashlee is also mother to son Bronx Mowgli Wentz, born in 2008, whom she shares with ex-husband Pete Wentz. In fact, she was pregnant with Bronx during her last VMAs appearance.

Both Ashlee and Jessica are expected to present awards during the ceremony. Jessica is making a bit of a comeback this year, releasing her first new music in years. Naturally, her sister couldn't be more supportive, telling People that Jessica's new music was "delicious and yummy and honest."

She went on: "I think the most important thing about being ready to strip your layers and be where you're at and meet yourself musically and as an artist, she's doing that and I'm very proud of her. Her music is great, I'm very excited about it. And I think everybody will love it."