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Cody Simpson has encountered a significant setback while working to finalize his upcoming studio album and promote his latest music. On Monday, May 11, the Australian singer-songwriter disclosed that he is battling a severe vocal cord hemorrhage, a diagnosis that has forced him to prioritize medical recovery and undergo mandatory vocal rest to prevent lasting damage.
Sharing an intimate update via a selfie—posed against a backdrop of music industry accolades—Simpson admitted that while he had initially hoped to handle the situation privately, he felt compelled to be transparent about his current challenges.
The artist explained that he received the concerning diagnosis roughly a month ago. He traced the injury back to a period of intense studio sessions where he inadvertently strained his voice while singing through an undetected sinus infection. “I mistakenly attributed the discomfort to simple fatigue and continued pushing through,” he noted. “Eventually, I reached a breaking point where singing became physically impossible, leading to a series of cancellations for scheduled television and radio appearances.”
This medical hurdle has stalled the promotional momentum for his March single, “Baby Blue,” and complicated the final production phases of his new album. “This situation has definitely hindered my ability to polish new tracks,” Simpson shared. “I’ve been ordered to remain silent for another two weeks, with the hope that this will stave off the need for surgery and a far more arduous recovery period. For now, I’m channeling my energy into songwriting and mapping out melodies on my guitar, which I look forward to recording with my own voice once I’ve healed. I’m determined to find a way forward.”
Having received an outpouring of encouragement from his fanbase, Simpson has decided to be open about his healing journey. This complication arrives as the artist continues to transition back into his musical career following a four-year hiatus dedicated to competitive swimming, which saw him reach high-level milestones, including the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2024 Australian Olympic trials.
In March, BMG confirmed a new partnership with Range Music to support Simpson’s future projects. Reflecting on his return to music at the time, Simpson remarked, “After stepping away from competitive swimming, I spent nearly a year experimenting in the studio. I wanted to approach this next chapter with a fresh, open mind. My only goal is to ensure this process remains an authentic and enjoyable experience.”
View the singer’s full update below.
