Ricky Martin [ tickets ] has tapped 19-year-old pop singer Jessica Simpson [ tickets ] for the opening slot on his upcoming tour. Simpson, whose debut album for Columbia Records will be in stores on Nov. 9, will warm up with an opening stint on the 98 Degrees tour.

Before attempting to crossover to the mainstream, Simpson established herself on the Christian music touring circuit. She has appeared on bills with Kirk Franklin, God's Property and Ce Ce Winans.

The Dallas native auditioned for Disney's Mickey Mouse Club -- which later spawned female chart-toppers Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera -- when she was 12 years old, but she was eliminated when she ''froze'' during her last audition, according to her record label.

Her first single, ''I Wanna Love You Forever'' is set for release on Sept. 29. Simpson will tour with 98 Degrees Oct. 10-19. Ricky Martin's tour opens at Miami Arena on Oct. 20.

On Nov. 1, Ricky Martin is set to release ''Shake Your Bon Bon'' as a follow-up single to the international hit ''Livin' La Vida Loca.