Despite early skepticism, Simpson is winning over critics with her new single, "Come on Over," which rose to No. 29 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart this week. The tune, which Simpson co-wrote, bowed at No. 41, making it the highest chart debut from a solo artist with no prior history on the country chart, according to a press release.

"Come on Over" is the lead single from Simpson's first country album, which is due in September, according to the Associated Press. The set reportedly will be titled "Do You Know" after a track written by Dolly Parton, who sings background vocals.

Simpson has been out promoting the record, recently appearing at Nashville's CMA Music Festival and performing on ABC-TV's "The View."

"It has been a long journey building back my confidence to stand there in front of the world," the singer said in a recent blog posting at her website. "But I feel like I have found that place again."

Simpson's latest and fifth solo album, 2006's "A Public Affair," reached No. 5 on The Billboard 200 and scored a pop hit with the title track.

The 27-year-old Dallas-bred performer has gone from gospel singer, to pop singer, to actress since launching her career in the late '90s, but she said country is where her heart is.

"It's refreshing to share something that feels so close to home," Simpson said in a statement. "I am so honored to become a part of the country community."