Jason Derulo, the chart-topping singer known for hits like “Whatcha Say” and “Talk Dirty,” recently shared a harrowing experience that almost cut his career, and his life, short. In a candid interview on Paris Hilton’s podcast, “I Am Paris,” Derulo recounted a near-death experience in 2013 when a gym accident left him with a broken neck.
A Flawed Training Regimen and a Life-Altering Moment
Derulo, then at the peak of his career with a massive world tour on the horizon, was dedicated to getting in peak physical condition. However, a questionable training routine led to a life-altering incident.
“I was getting ready for my world tour,” Derulo revealed on the podcast. “I was working with a trainer, and he was like, ‘Today we’re going to work on endurance. So, I’ll need you to do these back tucks back to back to back.'”
Back tucks, also known as backflips, are physically demanding maneuvers. Derulo went on to describe the grueling exercise: “He had me doing like 50 back tucks back to back to back, which is another one of the worst ideas somebody’s ever had.”
Tragically, fatigue and potentially improper technique led to disaster. “So, I slipped during one of the back tucks and I landed on my head,” Derulo recounted. The impact was severe, fracturing his C2 vertebrae, the uppermost bone in the cervical spine. This delicate bone plays a vital role in supporting the head and enabling neck movement.
Derulo described the immediate aftermath as terrifying. “As soon as it happened, I heard a big crack,” he said. “And I was just like, ‘Holy sh*t, is this it? Is this how it all ends?'”
From Hospital Bed to Rehabilitation Journey: A Long Road to Recovery
Thankfully, Derulo’s story doesn’t end on that horrifying note. He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors confirmed the severity of the break. The good news, as Derulo explained, was that the break mirrored a “hangman’s fracture,” which, despite its ominous name, doesn’t always result in paralysis. He still had feeling and movement in his limbs.
However, the bad news was equally daunting. “They said, ‘You’re going to be out for seven months,'” Derulo revealed. This meant not only canceling his meticulously planned world tour but also facing a long and arduous rehabilitation process.
Derulo described the rehabilitation journey as challenging but ultimately rewarding. “It was a lot of physical therapy, a lot of mental therapy as well,” he shared. Just trying to stay positive and focused on getting better.
Learning to Walk Again and the Power of Perseverance
The road to recovery wasn’t just about regaining physical strength. Derulo had to rebuild his confidence and relearn basic motor skills. “I had to learn how to walk again,” he admitted. “It was a very humbling experience.”
However, Derulo’s unwavering determination and positive attitude fueled his recovery. He implemented a strict routine, incorporating daily walks and extensive studio time. This dedication not only aided his physical rehabilitation but also channeled his energy into creating new music.
The result? His 2014 album, “Talk Dirty,” became a massive success, showcasing Derulo’s resilience and his ability to transform a traumatic experience into artistic expression.
A Cautionary Tale and a Message of Hope
Derulo’s story serves as a cautionary tale for anyone pushing themselves physically, particularly in unfamiliar exercise routines. The importance of qualified trainers and proper technique cannot be overstated when attempting complex maneuvers.
However, more importantly, Derulo’s experience offers a powerful message of hope. He faced a potentially life-altering injury but emerged stronger, both physically and mentally. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity.
Derulo’s brush with mortality has undoubtedly shaped his outlook on life and career. He continues to be a vibrant force in the music industry, a testament to the unwavering spirit that pulled him back from the brink.
