Fans of Jessica Simpson who packed the area around Chevrolet Main Stage at the State Fair of Texas to see her perform Friday night got a special treat.

Ms. Simpson's boyfriend, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, made a surprise appearance shortly before the concert started as police escorted him through the screaming crowd to the sound booth where he watched Ms. Simpson perform.

"We came here from Salt Lake City, and this is such a treat to see Tony, too," said Tyler Copier, who flew into Dallas on Friday.

His best friend, Craig Berrett, beamed: "This is the best day of my life."

Some fans arrived as early as 1 p.m. to grab prime seats.

"We had to make sure we were right out on the front row," said Linsey Watson, a Dallas resident.

Adoration of Ms. Simpson was a family affair for some. Suzie Reese attended the concert with her daughter Christy Taylor and granddaughter Heather Taylor. All three sported Tony Romo jerseys.

"We're here because this is her home and this is our home," said Ms. Reese, a Dallas resident. "And ... [Jessica] is one of us. We want to make sure she knows she's loved."

Others didn't attend the concert by choice.

"My wife dragged me out here," said Charlie Ball of Fairview, who added that he does think Ms. Simpson is attractive.

For Fort Worth resident Patti Moller, the concert was one of several Simpson concerts she had attended over the years. She said she was eager to see Ms. Simpson's performance as a country artist.

"I think she made a good decision, frankly, because I think a lot of things in pop culture don't seem to have the same good feeling," Ms. Moller said of Ms. Simpson's crossover to country music.