Maren Morris Reveals Painful Sinus Infection Ahead of NYC Performance: “The Worst of My Life”

Maren Morris opens up about battling a severe sinus infection before her NYC Times Square performance, spotlighting resilience, recovery, and health awareness.

The glittering lights of Times Square in NYC refracted off a silver minidress, a furry white coat, and the rhinestone gloves of Maren Morris as she hit the Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve stage on Dec. 31.

The confetti poured like cosmic snow around her, the crowd roaring against a skyline that never sleeps. But just days earlier, the singer’s reflection told a very different story: a swollen, red face, pain and pressure from what she called the “worst sinus infection of my life,” posted candidly on her Instagram Stories, visible only because she paired the photo with raw honesty and makeup in equal measure.

For a star who thrives on commanding stages in Los Angeles and beyond, that Instagram snapshot was a jolt—her public persona at odds with a body on the brink. It matters to audiences across the U.S. because sinus infections affect up to 31 million Americans a year, and severe cases can mimic allergic or immune responses that sideline even the toughest among us. (CDC data on sinusitis prevalence).

More Sinus Infection Stories

Lady Gaga — Lady Gaga Reveals Chronic Sinus and Respiratory Issues That Nearly Derailed Her Tour Schedule
Selena Gomez — Selena Gomez Opens Up About Recurrent Sinus Infections While Managing Long-Term Health Challenges
Justin Bieber — Justin Bieber Details Painful Sinus and Facial Pressure Episodes During Recording Sessions
Kelly Clarkson — Kelly Clarkson Shares How Persistent Sinus Infections Impacted Her Voice and On-Air Schedule

Morris’s journey to that NYC stage wasn’t a straight line. Weeks before, the 35-year-old had been deep into the pop-leaning rollout of her fourth album, Dreamsicle, embracing studio catharsis and heartfelt vulnerability after her 2023 divorce. Her Instagram reflections on the recording process reveal “ugly crying, manic laughter, the whole spectrum” shaping her latest work, a mix of resilience and artistic honesty.

Days before NYE, Morris found herself battling inflamed sinuses that literally distorted her face. “Sorry jumpscare but days leading up to my performance, I had the worst sinus infection of my life and it swelled up my face,” she wrote, later thanking antibiotics, Afrin and Aquaphor for helping her push through. Despite the pain and even a skin reaction, she chose performance over pause — a choice that would transform hardship into story.

Medically, a severe acute sinus infection like Morris experienced can involve mucosal inflammation in the sinus cavities, leading to swelling, pressure, and blockage of normal drainage pathways. Acute bacterial sinusitis, for example, accounts for a sizable share of U.S. antibiotic prescriptions each year. In lay terms: the body’s immune response creates a pressure cooker effect in the face that can spill into other systems, a reality Morris visually acknowledged and demystified for fans.

Fans flooded X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram with support after Morris’s candid posts, celebrating her “bravery” and “realness.” Celebrities chimed in — one noted music peer praised her for “showing up for every moment, even the hard ones,” while others acknowledged the pressure of live TV performances in NYC’s cold December air.

Today, Morris is looking beyond the infection. Her social feeds mix gratitude for health, joy from NYC audiences, and thoughtful reflections on wellness, mental health, and resilience. She’s crafting 2026 with intention — more mindful of her body’s signals and how even pop-country stars navigate health setbacks.

Whether you’re tuning into her Dreamsicle tour or managing your own sinus health, Morris’s story is a reminder: vulnerability can coexist with strength. Follow her journey for more insights into managing performance health, self-care advocacy, and the art of powering through without losing yourself.