Jessica Simpson Admits Single Was Influenced by Madonna  8/3/06

Jessica Simpson has confessed her latest single was accidentally influenced by pop superstar Madonna's Holiday.

After posting A Public Affair on her website in June (06), Simpson has received a barrage of criticism claiming the song is too close to Madonna's 1984 hit.

But Simpson retorts that's exactly what her fans need and is refusing to apologize for the retro sound.

She tells MTV, "I think people are ready to hear something that Madonna used to do. We all need to hear that every now and again.

"It wasn't a sample or something I meant to do, but she did influence me and still does today. I hope to have the longevity of her career."