Lola Young Opens Up About “Drugs Recovery” Following Onstage Collapse
Singer Lola Young has bravely shared that she is currently undergoing “drugs recovery” as she focuses on her health after a concerning onstage collapse last year. The 25-year-old artist, known for her hit song “Conceited,” detailed the challenging period in a candid interview with The Times of London, shedding light on the personal journey she’s been navigating.
“I would rather, for the sake of my privacy, not say too much,” Young stated, choosing to keep some aspects of her situation personal. However, she offered a hopeful update on her progress. “But what I would say is that recovery is an ongoing process. I’m not the finished article, but I’m doing a hell of a lot better.”
Young clarified that while “recovery” can encompass various forms of healing, in her specific case, it relates to substance use. “When you’re in recovery… that doesn’t necessarily need to mean drugs – but me specifically, yes.”
The incident that brought her health struggles into the public eye occurred in September of last year at the All Things Go music festival in New York. Midway through her performance, videos captured the moment the singer appeared to mouth that she was going to “faint” before stumbling and falling backwards. Festival crew members quickly assisted her off the stage.
Following the onstage medical emergency, the “Conceited” singer initially reassured her fans that she was “doing OK.” Despite this, she made the difficult decision to cancel her scheduled performance at the festival’s Washington, D.C. stop the following day.
At the time, Young expressed her regret to her followers on Instagram Stories, stating, “I love this job and I never take my commitments and audience for granted so I’m sorry to those who will be disappointed by this. I hope you’ll all give me another chance in the future.”
Just a few days after the festival, she announced an indefinite hiatus from performing, a decision that undoubtedly impacted many fans eagerly awaiting her next live shows. In a heartfelt statement shared on Instagram, she informed her supporters, “I’m going away for a while. It pains me to say I have to cancel everything for the foreseeable future.”
She continued, expressing her gratitude for the overwhelming support she had received. “Thank you for all the love and support. I’m so sorry to let anyone down who has bought a ticket to see me, it hurts me more than you know. Obviously you will be entitled to a full refund.” Young concluded her statement with a hopeful plea, “I really hope you’ll give me a second chance once I’ve had some time to work on myself and come back stronger.”
A Triumphant Return: Grammy Nomination and Win
Five months after stepping back from the spotlight, Lola Young made a significant and celebrated return to the stage at the 2026 Grammy Awards on February 1st. Her comeback performance was part of a moving montage featuring other nominees for the prestigious Best New Artist award.
The evening proved to be a momentous occasion for the “Messy” singer. Not only did she mark her return with a powerful performance, but she also achieved a significant career milestone, becoming a first-time Grammy winner. Young took home the award for Best Pop Solo Performance, a testament to her undeniable talent and artistry.
Overwhelmed and emotional, Young expressed her gratitude during her acceptance speech. “I don’t know what to say, thank you so much,” she shared, her voice filled with emotion. The win signifies a powerful comeback and a strong indication of her resilience and dedication to her craft.
Young’s journey highlights the importance of prioritising mental and physical well-being, especially for artists in the demanding music industry. Her openness about her struggles serves as an inspiration and a reminder that seeking help and taking time for recovery is a sign of strength.
Seeking Support: Resources for Mental Health and Substance Abuse
For individuals in Australia who may be experiencing similar challenges or need support, several vital resources are available:
Mental Health Support:
- Lifeline Australia provides confidential crisis support and suicide prevention services. You can contact them 24/7 by calling 13 11 14.
Substance Abuse Support:
- The National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline offers confidential counselling, information, and referrals for alcohol and drug issues. You can reach them on 1800 250 015.
Lola Young’s courageous decision to share her recovery journey underscores the ongoing need for open conversations about mental health and addiction, and the importance of accessible support systems for everyone.
