If we’ve learned anything about Carrie Underwood since her accident it’s that she’s in total control of her image. She’s not getting randomly papped, she hasn’t had unapproved fan photos posted to social media, and she’s meted out photos of her face, which was damaged. In January she told us about her accident, a fall on icy steps in November (right after her last event appearance) that resulted in a broken wrist and 40-50 stitches to her face. She wrote at the time that she was “still healing and not quite looking the same.” We saw a photo of her posing with a reality star but she did look the same, her face artfully angled to the side. Then, last week, she posted a photo of herself in the studio, looking pensive with only half her face showing. Now she’s put up a photo rehearsing with her band. It’s from far away so you can’t see much.
If you look at the Twitter photo directly in your browser you can zoom in slightly and you can see a faint little scar under her left eye. I don’t want to nitpick her face! It’s hard not to look when she’s so deliberately meting out photos. You couldn’t see this scar in the previous image she shared. This is absolutely her prerogative to let us see what she wants, when she wants, and that accident must have been traumatizing without the added layer of her public image. Imagine being a famous person and then having a freak random accident which damages your face. Of course they have the added buffer of cosmetic surgery and the best makeup artists, but it’s still got to be difficult.
Also, look at her supporting the Oklahoma teacher’s strike! She’s from Muskogee, Oklahoma and these are her older sisters, Shanna and Stephanie. They’re both teachers, which makes me both relate to and respect Carrie for having educators in her family. My brother and both of my parents are teachers. It’s one of the hardest and most underpaid jobs.
Carrie also posted this video over the weekend of her husband, hockey player Mike Fisher, calling to turkeys out the window of his pickup truck.
And she teased an upcoming interview. I bet she’s going on one of the morning talk shows to discuss her accident.
photos credit: WENN and Instagram/Carrie Underwood
I hadn’t heard she’d been hurt. Poor Carrie!
At this point the whole shtick has become ridiculous.
Thank you! This. I’m like what is really going on. In this day of contouring and millions of cosmetic companies, what really happened to her face (Isn’t she a Covergirl? Or at least have some makeup endorsement?) I feel like the more she is hiding this the more suspicious I get. Did she have a freak accident and find out she is sick? I do not know. This is just weird.
Or maybe she was waiting to show her face again until her scars were less visible? I dunno. I don’t get the shade. If she is releasing two images this week, maybe it just means she is feeling okay with her appearance again. We have no idea what she looked like before and can’t say it wasn’t a serious injury.
The shade from me is all of the “is she showing her face this time?” that she has done on Instagram and then these photos, too. She posted at least 2 photos after the accident with captions – at least in the articles I read – which seemed that she was going to show her face, and then her face was covered in the photos.
At this point I think it’s just a ploy to have her name in the media to sell her new album.
I would have more respect for her had she shown a picture of herself with the bandages and then told her story of healing as she healed. That way, we would know where to look and I would have actual compassion for her after her accident. She also could be helping others who are dealing with similar injuries. Imagine that – actually thinking of someone else instead of only her facial appearance.
She allegedly had 40 stitches and a broken wrist, so it sounds like it was serious. But I have no idea because all of the pictures that I’ve seen make her look just as she was before. To me, it’s just a PR stunt and I’m over reading about her.
@ Jag – do we expect everyone with a life changing injury to ‘think of someone else’ first? I mean really, we can say it’s only her face, it’s only skin deep, it’s only superficial…it is also her livelihood and everything else we females wrap up in our appearance.
But yea, she’s famous and has money and ‘access’ to people to ‘fix it’ so sure, she should think of others first.
She’s focused on looks instead of her talent/substance, to generate publicity. Not a good long-term strategy, IMO.
I agree, she’s ridiculous & just fueling the gossip about what her “fall”.
I agree, I doubt if there’s a noticeable difference.
Yup.
I agree. It’s turning into a game and it’s really low of Carrie to do. I am losing respect for her. I get anxiety from it but clearly from the photos she HAS shared she’s not deformed. I’m over it.
Agreed
It’s so weird to be coy about an injury like this. Lol I just can’t get over how bizarre it is for her to be doing this slow unveiling of her presumably scarred face. It’s like Taylor Swift releasing pictures or clips before her album drops. Artists do that to build anticipation, so what in God’s name is Carrie doing that for here?! It’s truly baffling.
I don’t get this anymore…If she’s seriously been traumatized by this accident and subsequent surgery and remaining scar it’s too bad,but I’m getting the feeling that this is just for PR and if it is what a weird way to go…
Another thing,I’m a nurse experienced in reconstructive surgery of the face,and 40 sutures sound like so many but people forget that she’s probably counting dissolving stitches under the skin and non dissolving “normal “stitches on the surface-better for keeping the skin from pulling,better cosmetic outcome it’s just how it’s done
My parents are both teachers – mad respect to all teachers for the work they do while dealing with disrespectful students, helicopter parents, budget cuts etc. We should be paying and respecting teachers more!
Thankful to your parents,and all you teachers out there-You all make a difference every day.You all deserve $$$$ and so much more respect 🍎
I know what she’s doing……the ol’ “guys it’s sooooo bad” nonstop so when we do see her we think umm that’s nothing.
If what I’m seeing in that pic isn’t just light on her face, then that’s quite a large facial scar, and so close to her eye. If that is the scar, then even with great surgery and make-up it’s going to be very obvious when her face moves. It’s right across some of the most visible and active facial muscles. So I totally get why she’d be taking her time ‘revealing’ it.
Exactly. I’m dealing with similar. Mine happened on same day as Carrie’s accident.
The blow to self assurance, even confidence in just walking is hard. I cannot imagine dealing with this in the public eye as she has to do. I don’t blame her for taking her time. I wouldn’t be ready. I am able to cover mine effectively with work, and when I go without the scar cover it dominates the conversation because people cannot help but be distracted by it.
People who comment “she should be grateful it wasn’t worse”….rest assured, she is grateful that it wasn’t worse. I am grateful that I didn’t injure my brain or break my neck.
Doesn’t make scars on my face easy.
I feel for her.
I’m surprised at how people are going at Carrie about this. It’s she’s so vain and she doesn’t care about anything but looks! Work ethic doesn’t matter. I’m sure it was traumatic, and she also had an arm injury as well. She may have been alone with her child when she fell.
I’m glad you’re recovering mollie.I don’t want to sound unkind towards Carrie,but I just can’t see anything wrong She’s beautiful and I’m sure you are too!Wishing you a continued safe healthy recovery 😁
The fan that took a picture with her several months ago (but after the accident) said Carrie looked normal and she couldn’t tell anything was wrong or different.
I don’t know what to think. I mean there has to be something noticeably different for her to make this big of a deal about it, but I don’t see the scar that you’re seeing. Is it in the picture of her singing on stage? On the left side of her face?
I’m more curious as to why she has turned this into a huge thing. Either show everyone everything or shut up about it. She’s always slathered makeup on with a shovel anyway so people probably would never have noticed.
But, but…her beautyyyyy. Her face is all that matters – not her voice, music, or work ethic. Only her poor face that seems to look exactly as it did before.
By playing peek-a-boo, she’s only bringing attention to her accident. Very juvenile. If she had 50 stitches on her face, she should be grateful she only has scarring. Lauren Scruggs and others who have lost limbs, vision, etc. in accidents are probably put off by what appears to be Carrie’s obsession, not to say, she wasn’t injured, but she is able to perform and go on with her life.
Easy for you to say. I’ve had same kind of injury. I feel grateful mine wasn’t worse but it doesn’t negate the emotional distress one must confront when the scar is on your face. Visible every time you look in the mirror. I have appreciation that I did not receive a traumatic brain injury, but many scars on one’s face isn’t nothing, either. Stop telling other people how “grateful” they should feel. Not your place. Of course I feel grateful that it wasn’t worse, but I’m allowed to mourn and deal with my issue without the sermons of strangers, and so is Carrie.
I think a lot of the questions about Carrie, IMO,are because she has spoken about this injury ,and it’s not really visible,and people are talking too,I think because so many celebs do cosmetic surgery and lie about it,thus drawing more attention.I like Carrie,always have ,and I’m glad she’s okay and hopefully you are too@ mollie.And it may not be fair but I think celebrities are judged more harshly,and I guess that goes with the job.Don’t let people in your life critique you for how you feel about your scar,it’s up to the individual I know,I am dealing with scars (unseen because they’re on my chest) ,and we all deal with it our own way . I hope you heal well
It never even occurred to me she had plastic surgery. I like Carrie and wish her nothing but the best. How could I not love her the way she put me in awe after singing How Great Thou Art with Vince Gill. I’m not particularly religious nor do I particularly like country music, but that girl sang from her soul, and when I’m feeling a certain way, I listen again for the peace it brings me.
I did think that in the first photo her lips looked different but we won’t know till she unveils the whole shebang
I still for the life of me don’t understand why she sent out the announcement about the accident. Like more famous people have children, adopt children, get married, have plastic surgery etc. without anyone knowing until they are ready to tell.
She brought the spotlight to herself and has continued on with teasing, which is leading up to an interview and something to sell (new music, lifestyle website, cosmetic line, her magical happy marriage). It’s like pretty much what Pepsi and coke do when announcing a new formula. Really strange IMO.
^this.
Whoops, wrong post
I feel really horrible for her for what happened, and I can’t imagine dealing with a facial injury like that while also having a career in the public eye.
However, I agree it’s weird she keeps “teasing it” and posting mysterious photos, and it does seem like she’s planning it for PR and interviews. It’s her right to do so, but in her situation, I don’t think I would do the same.
She had to cancel a couple of events that were right after the fall. That is probably why she released the information that she fell. She has also posted an x-ray of her wrist with a pin in it. I have no doubt that this really happened and that she is self-conscious about any facial scarring. It may not be terribly noticeable after months of healing, but I am guessing it was pretty bad after if first happened. She is performing this Sunday at the ACM awards, so she is going to be very public soon. She is also teasing her first single this Wednesday. This has also been her “down” time because she has been writing a new album and she is usually very quiet when she is writing and recording an album.
@Suzi,
Thanks for the explanation 🙂 Makes sense now.
i’m so impressed by all the compassion and well wishes from everyone here. she had a bad fall, was injured, explained why she would be out of public eye. she’s now adjusting to the changes in her face and possible nerve damage. i hope she heals completely and is comfortable with the results.
^I meant to say THIS to this post. Total lack of compassion. Oy. I think we’re going to see a much larger scar than people think.
Exactly Joanne! There is a decided lack of compassion, but Carrie is not a favorite in these parts. They are completely ignoring the pictures and story of her supporting the teacher’s strike.
I probably should be more compassionate. And I did feel horrible for her at the beginning. It’s the coyness of it all since then that has worn thin. It’s like she’s trying to build anticipation for her unveiling of her injured face. It just feels weird. But I know the ordeal has likely been very traumatizing. She’ll still be one of the most beautiful women in the world even with a facial scar and she’s got loads of talent to fall back on. I hope she feels more comfortable over time.
The lady doth protest too much! Girl why you always lyin, stop f*cking lyin…things that pop into my mind when this face issue comes up
So glad she’s giving publicity to the Oklahoma teachers! Great example of a bi-partisan cause. And yes, Nashville area is chock full of wild turkeys. We have them in our yard all the time. They’re beautiful!
She’s acting Kardashianesqe with this whole facial rollout parade. If she’s taking advice from someone, she needs someone else.
In weird coincidence, I had same type of accident on the SAME DAY as Carrie.
My face was scarred, I had surgery, many stitches. It was in that moment that I learned just how much of my self esteem revolves around my looks. I’m not proud of that, but it is true. I will always have scars, and am waiting for the day when I feel comfortable enough to reveal them. Today is not that day.
Happily, I did find a scar cover that I won’t name lest people think I’m advertising. I wear it every day because it is less distracting for others and for me than when I am not using it.
Ever have someone talk to your breasts instead of look at your eyes? That’s what happens when I don’t wear the scar cover. It’s distracting in business. Throws me off my game. I hope she finds a way to either a. be comfortable and not get distracted when others become focused on the scarring or b. find a scar cover method that works for her type of scar so she can stop thinking about it daily. Either way, I know what she is going through. People bashing her don’t get it and I don’t feel like explaining it further. I discovered real darn quick how much work I have to do on my inner confidence, not attached to my looks.
@MOLLIE that is so unfortunate and I hope you continue to heal both inside and out.
I appreciate your empathy.
Personal and professional experience has shown me that bio oil is great if used religiously on the affected areas,takes longer than you’d like.It is affordable and smells good too (opinion not advertising at all)
Unless you have been there, it is impossible to explain how a change in your face’s symmetry can affect your confidence, and how you can obsess over what you think people see so much that you talk about it incessantly, partially as deflection and a way to convince yourself it is not that bad. That is exactly what happened to me after two unsuccessful eye surgeries for ptosis (drooping eyelid); I was on websites asking doctors for opinions, and constantly thinking people were looking at me and seeing the defect and not ME. I could not look anyone in the eye for awhile. On top of it I knew it was essentially superficial which made me feel even more ashamed. It took me a couple of years to not think about it all the time, or keep asking my poor BF his opinion. Even now when I have to talk in front of people I think they are looking at my eye. And I consider myself very well adjusted. So I hope people can understand it is not as superficial or manipulative as it seems. She has a public forum so it may seem overwrought, or too dramatic, but I went through the same progression emotionally. Oh and by the way–on a lot of gossip sites, including this one, people will comment on someone’s “wonky eye” and joke about it or attribute it to Botox gone wrong. It is not the case and it is really damaging, because ptosis is one condition that even with surgery is very hard to correct perfectly. When I would read those comments inadvertently, it felt terrible. A lot of famous people such as John McCain, Paris Hilton, and Traci-Ellis Ross have ptosis, and trust me , if surgery could correct it we would do it. But in some cases it simply cannot.
thank you for sharing your experience. you’ve said very eloquently that we all need to have more compassion and understanding of what others go through. i’m really sorry for what you have gone through.
Thank you, that is kind, and honestly I don’t want to over-dramatize it, and I am very happy with my looks and grateful for my health– but I did hope to do exactly that, help people understand how she may be perceiving things now–which may be in a distorted way– about how her injury will actually be viewed. I expect a lot of “That’s it!??!” comments, I admit even I started out with “Oh , come on!” and then I backed up and remembered what I went through and the mental anguish, for a smaller issue. When you are in it, it feels a LOT bigger. Thank you again for your considerate and kind reply.
I’m giving her a pass here, in her line of work how you look is at the top of the list of important factors, talented or not barely matters anymore. For the record I do think she’s talented and has a beautiful voice, but I’m sure she needed time to feel comfortable in her new skin, maybe these little sneak peeks are a way of her slowing letting it out. She knows she’ll be criticized either way.
Actually if you look it’s actually her right eye there is a line that looks like a scar from the bottom outside corner across her cheek bone to her lower ear.
I seriously cannot see anything. Her face looks the same. Much ado about nothing (scar wise, not her accident!)