Jason Derulo

Miami native Jason Derulo wrote and produced songs for the likes of Lil Wayne and Diddy before releasing his debut single, “Whatcha Say,” and its follow-up, “In My Head,” in 2009. Two years and two albums later, Derulo — who once opened for Lady Gaga — has sold 14 million tracks domestically and received approximately 700 million views on his YouTube channel.

Honored at the 2011 BMI Pop Awards as Songwriter of the Year, Derulo was rehearsing choreography for a tour to promote his sophomore album Future History when he missed a landing and fell on his neck, fracturing one of his vertebra. Doctors reportedly told him he “could have” been paralyzed.

Aided in his recovery by longtime girlfriend, American Idol winner Jordin Sparks, Derulo returned to the stage for his first post-injury performance in May 2012, when he performed live on Idol‘s 11th season finale. He is hard at work on his third album.