Jason Derulo, the Miami-born pop sensation, has been a staple in the music industry since his debut single “Whatcha Say” topped the charts in 2009. Known for his catchy tunes and dynamic performances, Derulo’s career seemed unstoppable. However, in 2013, a near-fatal gym accident almost brought his flourishing career to a sudden halt.
On a routine day of preparation for his world tour, which included a lot of acrobatic stunts, Derulo experienced a life-changing incident. “I was prepping for my world tour, which involved a lot of acrobatics during my performance,” he recalls. “One day I was fatigued and tired, and I slipped and bailed – which you’re not ever supposed to do.” The slip resulted in a severe fall on his neck, and Derulo heard a crack. Initially, the paramedics on site thought he had only torn some ligaments. “I laid on the ground and the paramedics there were like, ‘Yeah, you probably just tore the ligaments.’ So I got up and walked to the car to meet my mother and we went to the hospital.”
The severity of the injury became apparent only after reaching the hospital. “When I got there, the doctor was like, ‘You broke your neck and you’re lucky to be alive.’” The realization that he had narrowly escaped paralysis was a shock. The injury was further exacerbated by the fact that he wasn’t brought to the hospital on a stretcher. “On the ride there, every single bump was hell. I could have killed myself by even just getting up, because my shit was not attached.”
Following the accident, Derulo had to cancel his tour and entered a grueling six-month recovery period filled with intense pain and self-reflection. “It was totally life-changing,” he says. “I was in a brace for seven months and couldn’t even do the simple things by myself – like take a shower or take off my shirt.” This period of vulnerability and introspection profoundly influenced his outlook on life and his music.
The experience of facing his mortality led to a significant shift in Derulo’s approach to life and his career. “I could have died. The injury made me realize that life is short, man. You have to live life to the fullest, and all of those songs are about enjoying life.” This newfound perspective was evident in his comeback album, initially titled “Tattoos” and later re-released as “Talk Dirty.” The album featured hits like “Talk Dirty,” “The Other Side,” “Marry Me,” and “Wiggle,” a collaboration with Snoop Dogg. “All those party songs on Talk Dirty stemmed from my accident,” he points out.
Derulo’s resilience and determination to bounce back from such a devastating injury are inspiring. His ability to channel his experiences into his music has resonated with fans worldwide, making his songs anthems of celebration and living life to the fullest. His latest single, “Want to Want Me,” became a chart-topping hit, further cementing his place in the pop music landscape.
In addition to his music career, Derulo has also ventured into television, joining the hit Fox series “So You Think You Can Dance” as a judge. “I had performed on the show last year and had the time of my life,” says Derulo, whose dancing skills are just as vital to him as his voice. “When they asked me about joining, I knew it was going to be a big commitment. But it’s the best decision I’ve made. I love the show.”
Despite his busy schedule, which includes album promotion, tour preparation, and filming for the show, Derulo maintains an intense workout routine. “I squeeze in a workout every day,” he says, noting he favors Insanity, the sweaty routine that lives up to its name. “There’s no set schedule, so I’ll do it whenever I have time. I couldn’t yesterday because I was flying back from Europe.” His dedication to fitness is evident, as he recently appeared shirtless on the cover of Billboard Magazine.
Derulo’s journey from a near-fatal accident to a triumphant return to the music scene is a testament to his resilience and passion for his craft. His ability to turn a potentially career-ending injury into a source of inspiration for his music and life is a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and living life to the fullest.
As Derulo continues to evolve as an artist and performer, his story serves as an inspiration to many. His latest album, “Everything is 4,” reflects his multifaceted approach to life and music. “Besides it being my fourth album, the number four is a number that follows us around,” he says. “There are four legs on a chair, four legs on a table, so it’s about having a strong foundation. There’s also four seasons, which represents accepting change and moving forward. Also, it means everything is for a reason. Everything is for my mom, everything is for my family, everything is for my fans. It represents completion.”
Derulo’s journey is a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, one can find strength and inspiration to continue pursuing their dreams. His story is not just about overcoming a physical injury but also about embracing life with a renewed sense of purpose and passion.
Source: The Guardian, Rolling Stone
