Jason Derulo has had a hell of year. He kicked off 2012 with a neck fracture that could have left him paralyzed (“or worse,” he says) and forced him to cancel his tour. But now less than a year after the incident, he’s back in action with a new album on the way and an appearance at the American Music Awards over the weekend with girlfriend Jordin Sparks.

Watch the video to see Jason open up about his scary injury and how it changed his outlook on life.