Carly Pearce Overcomes Gruesome Injury Before CMA Awards Win

The country singer knocked out her front teeth days before her first CMA Awards performance, but persevered through the pain.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Just days before the 2020 CMA Awards, country singer Carly Pearce suffered a gruesome injury when she fell down a flight of stairs at a Halloween party, knocking out a chunk of her front teeth. Despite the painful recovery process that followed, including seven stitches in her lip, Pearce was able to perform at the awards show and even took home the CMA Award for Musical Event of the Year.

Why it matters

As a professional singer, a serious mouth injury can be especially devastating, both physically and psychologically. Pearce's determination to push through the pain and perform at the CMAs despite her injuries showcases her resilience and commitment to her craft.

The details

Pearce recounts spending several days leading up to the CMAs in and out of the dentist's office, getting her teeth patched up and her lip stitched. She also used cold compresses and Aquaphor to help speed up the healing process from the scrapes and bruises. Despite having a noticeable lisp while singing due to her loose teeth, Pearce was able to take the stage and deliver a memorable performance of "I Hope You're Happy Now" with Charles Kelley.

  • Just days before the 2020 CMA Awards, Pearce fell down a flight of stairs at a Halloween party.
  • The day after the CMA Awards, Pearce underwent three root canals to fix her broken teeth.

The players

Carly Pearce

A country singer who won the CMA Award for Musical Event of the Year in 2020 despite suffering a gruesome injury to her teeth and face just days before the ceremony.

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What they’re saying

“The events that had to all happen for me to make it to the show then for me to win, was a moment that I'll never forget.”

— Carly Pearce (theboot.com)

What’s next

Pearce will likely continue her recovery process and focus on her music career, with the CMA Award win serving as a major career milestone.

The takeaway

Carly Pearce's perseverance in the face of a gruesome injury showcases the determination and resilience required to succeed in the music industry, even when faced with unexpected setbacks.