Fans of Jessica Simpson's spot-on performance as herself on MTV's "Newlyweds" know that the sometime singer is a funny gal. Executives at ABC are convinced that Simpson is also capable of being intentionally funny, inking her to a comedy development deal.

"Jessica has infectious energy and unmistakable star quality," says ABC Entertainment President Susan Lyne. "She also has a built-in fan base in both music and television, which is a great jumping off point for us. We're looking forward to developing the ideal showcase for her considerable talents."

Rising from the Christian music circuit, Simpson's major label debut, "Sweet Kisses" was released in 1999. The album and videos helped launch Simpson into MTV's second tier, below the likes of Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, but above the likes of Hoku.

Over the past year, though, while Simpson's musical career hasn't broken out, several television gigs have elevated her profile. She appeared on three episodes of FOX's "That 70s Show," lampooning her bubbleheaded persona. Then, opposite new husband Nick Lachey she proceeded to reinforce that bubbleheaded persona in the MTV reality series "Newlyweds."

Whether dealing with her confusion over the animal derivation of Chicken of the Sea and Buffalo wings, or belching like a frat boy, Simpson has either been playing a hilarious caricature of herself or else she has been exposing her Gumpian wisdom to the world. Either way, she seemed like a woman ABC wanted to go into business with.

"Jessica has clearly become the new 'America's sweetheart,' and ABC is the perfect network to showcase her natural comedic instincts," says Ted Harbert, who will join Jessica's manager and dad Joe Simpson as an executive producer on the speculative ABC project.

"This deal is a great and logical next step for Jessica and the evolution of her career," says Joe Simpson. "We're very happy to consider ABC part of our professional family, and we look forward to a long and successful relationship with the network."