Carly Pearce is finally opening up about the terrifying freak accident that nearly derailed her big break just days before her CMA Awards debut — and the chaos that followed.
In a recent interview on Bunnie XO’s “Dumb Blonde” podcast, the “What He Didn’t Do” singer recalled knocking out her two front teeth and nearly biting through her lip just a week before walking the red carpet in 2020.
“I had seven stitches in my lip because I almost bit through it seven days before I was up for my first CMA Award,” Carly shared. “I looked like I got beat up. My face was insane.”
Despite the painful injuries, Carly showed up to the ceremony, where she performed and won her first CMA for Musical Event of the Year with Lee Brice for their hit “I Hope You’re Happy Now.” But rumors quickly spiraled when she appeared on the red carpet with swollen lips, sparking wild speculation she had undergone botched cosmetic work.
“Of course, I wake up the next day and all these radio stations are like, ‘Carly Pearce had a bad botched job of her lips being done,’” she said. “And I’m like, ‘No, you have no idea what I’ve gone through.’”
The country star revealed she stayed quiet at the time because she didn’t want to “rock the boat,” but behind the scenes, she was desperate for her face to heal in time for the biggest night of her career. “I just prayed every day, ‘Please Lord, let my face heal so I can do this.’”
Fast forward five years, and Carly has been facing another battle — her health. In 2024, she revealed she had been diagnosed with an “intense” heart condition called pericarditis after doctors initially dismissed her symptoms.
“I had really debilitating chest pain that was only relieved if I bent forward,” she told “Today.” “I also had this intense shortness of breath, like having to suck air through a straw.”
Despite flare-ups over the years, Carly continues to perform and stay open about her struggles, using her story to encourage fans to advocate for their health. “Listen to your body and be your own advocate,” she urged. “I had to fight to get answers.”
From a freak accident days before her CMA debut to living with a chronic heart condition, Carly’s journey has been anything but easy — but she’s proving her resilience every step of the way.
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