Sean Kingston after jet ski accident
After enduring a harrowing recovery from being critically injured in a jet ski crash on May 29, Sean Kingston was all smiles at the 2011 Teen Choice Awards in Universal City on Sunday.
Kingston (21) stepped out on the Gibson Amphitheatre’s red carpet for his first public appearance since the incident, clad in a bright red vest, white T-shirt, jeans, and gold jewelry.
The Jamaican-American singer recently opened up to MTV about his near-fatal accident, which occurred over Memorial Day weekend when the watercraft he was driving crashed under a small bridge, injuring him and his passenger.
“A lot of people don’t know it was a deeper situation” – the “Beautiful Girls” singer said. “I had open heart surgery and I had two other surgeries.”
Doctors had to operate on Kingston multiple times when they discovered that his aorta was torn and blood was filling his chest. But the star, who in addition suffered a broken jaw, fractured wrist, and water in his lungs, made a miraculous full recovery. “I’m 100 percent right now” – he said. “What the accident basically taught me is, in life, you have to count your blessings.”
Sean Kingston.
Sean Kingston says that he has developed a new lease on life after the jet ski accident that almost killed him.
Kingston was left in a critical condition following the accident at the end of May, but claimed that he feels better than ever, having lost almost 50 pounds of weight from his former 300-pound frame.
“Actually, I shed like 45 pounds, and I’ve been working out every day” – Kingston told MTV News, about his current state of health. “So I’ve been really getting my healthiness [together].
“But I got to keep it up and lose more weight. It’s easy to gain weight when you’re in the studio. That’s how it first started out but I’m cutting all that out.”
“I don’t eat after 6pm, and then I really just do the treadmill. I feel a lot better” – he added.
The singer also said that he is no longer on any pain medication, and now feels ready to get back to work.
Sean Kingston has made his first red carpet appearance since his near-fatal jet ski accident in May.
The “Beautiful Girls” singer attended the Teen Choice Awards 2011 in Los Angeles on Sunday night, posing for photographers on the red carpet.
Kingston had earlier tweeted – “Teen Choice Awards!.. Here i come!… Swagged out to da max (sic)”, later adding – “Great day today!!”
Kingston was at the awards show to present the ‘Choice Music Male Artist’ prize alongside Tyra Banks, and took the opportunity to thank the crowd for their support and well wishes following his accident.
“Thanks everybody, not just for the welcome but for all the love I felt from so many of you. Trust me, I will never forget all your thoughts and prayers. Thank you.”
Kingston then presented the surf board award to friend and ‘Eenie Meenie’ collaborator Justin Bieber, who recently visited him in Miami.
Kingston was admitted to intensive care after losing control of a jet ski in Miami in May and later underwent open heart surgery to repair a torn aorta.
“I’m just getting back healthy and recovering” – he said during a recent interview on Today. “It feels great [to be alive]. It’s a blessing. God is great. I feel like I’m blessed to overcome a tragic situation. There was definitely trauma and for me to be here is God’s work.”
Kingston is now preparing to start work on his new album, saying that the new LP will “go back to [his] roots” and feature an “island pop” sound.