Jason Derulo reveals the harrowing aftermath of his near-fatal 2013 neck injury and recovery.
Jason Derulo has opened up about the most devastating chapter of his life—the moment he broke his neck during a routine dance practice, leaving his future hanging in the balance. The singer, now 35, shared his emotional journey during a candid conversation on the Great Company Podcast with Jamie Laing.
Recalling the traumatic 2013 incident, Derulo described it as his “darkest time.” While preparing for his Future History World Tour, a routine series of backflips went horribly wrong. “I was working on these back tucks for stamina,” he explained. “We were doing them back-to-back, taking breaks and pushing hard. On one of them, I slipped and bailed. You’re never supposed to bail, even if you slip—you’re supposed to keep going. But I panicked and fell on my head. I heard a crack and thought, ‘Oh s***.’”
What followed was a whirlwind of fear and uncertainty. “I felt this massive heat in my neck,” Derulo recalled. “All I could think was, ‘What just happened? Did my life just end?’” At the hospital, X-rays confirmed his worst fears—a fractured vertebra in his spine, known as a “hangman’s break.” The diagnosis was life-altering.
Doctors immediately ordered Derulo to cancel his tour, forcing him into a seven-month hiatus—a daunting prospect for the rising star, who was just beginning to solidify his career. “I had to cancel the entire tour, and I didn’t know what the rest of my life would look like,” he admitted. “I didn’t know if I could take that kind of time off, especially so early in my career.”
The mental toll of the injury was immense. Derulo grappled with uncertainty, fearing his dream of becoming a global superstar might slip away. Yet, even in his darkest hours, he found a way to persevere. His journey through recovery became a testament to his resilience, shaping him into the artist he is today.
Though the physical pain eventually subsided, the emotional scars lingered. Derulo’s experience serves as a stark reminder of how quickly life can change and how fragile even the strongest bodies can be. It also highlights the immense pressure performers place on themselves to excel, often pushing their limits to dangerous extremes.
Now, with years of success behind him and countless hit songs to his name, Derulo reflects on the ordeal as a turning point. “It taught me a lot about patience and the value of health,” he said. The lessons he learned during those seven months off the stage continue to guide him as he navigates the highs and lows of his career.
Derulo’s story resonates far beyond the music industry, offering a powerful message about resilience, hope, and the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity.
