Jessica Simpson has left her record company Columbia in favour of a new contract with Epic. The recently divorced pop star, who ended her three-year marriage to Nick Lachey, has now ended a seven-year deal with bosses at Columbia. In a statement she says, “I love all my friends and supporters at Columbia. I will miss them as I start this new relationship. Epic is in a new place with a new leader. It just seems the right place for me as I begin my new journey.” [28 March 2006]