Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
She revealed that the sinus infection also caused an extreme skin reaction.
Maren Morris Powers Through Sinus Infection for Times Square New Year’s Eve Performance
Maren Morris’ dazzling New Year’s Eve performance nearly hit a roadblock due to a severe sinus infection.
The 35-year-old pop-country singer captivated the crowd at Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026, performing hits like “The Bones,” “The Middle,” and “80s Mercedes” without missing a beat.
In the days leading up to the show, however, Morris was battling what she called the worst sinus infection of her life. “Sorry jumpscare, but days leading up to my performance, I had the worst sinus infection of my life and it swelled up my face and then proceeded to evolve into some insane skin reaction,” she wrote on Instagram Stories. “So, I’m relieved I was able to sing last night. Thank you antibiotics, Afrin & Aquaphor. Oh, and concealer.”
The singer shared a photo of her face while it was swollen, patchy, and red, along with a follow-up image of two boxes of Afrin, joking that she would stop using it for everyone concerned.
Despite the setback, Morris looked flawless on stage, wearing a furry white coat over a sparkly silver minidress with matching gloves.
The next day, she reflected on the unforgettable night in an Instagram post, celebrating meeting Diana Ross, ringing in the new year with a large crowd, and getting help from her manager Janet to button her outfit. “Performed in Times Square last night for NYE right as it started to snow, met the queen Diana Ross, had Janet help me button my bodysuit (that’s a real manager) and got super emo when confetti fell over thousands of hopeful, happy people in one of my favorite cities. Happy 2026, world. 🌎 🪩,” she captioned the post, which also included shots of her sparkly ensemble, the Times Square crowd, and confetti raining down.
Morris released her fourth album, Dreamsicle, in May, marking a turn toward pop for the country star. She told PEOPLE in March that creating the record—her first full-length release since divorcing Ryan Hurd in 2023—was a “cathartic” experience.