British singer Lola Young has shared an honest reflection on her journey following a critical moment in her career when she collapsed on stage at the All Things Go Music Festival in New York City last September. Speaking to Rolling Stone, she expressed gratitude for the incident, which acted as a catalyst for her decision to seek help for substance abuse, specifically her battle with cocaine addiction.
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At just 25 years old, Young has been transparent about her struggles. The harrowing moment she collapsed mid-performance was caught on video and has since gone viral. While she admits to watching the footage a couple of times, she feels no need to revisit it. “It’s not something I’d like to search,” she stated, underscoring the personal upheaval that the event brought to her life.
In reflecting on the situation, Young described her collapse as a breaking point that has allowed her to be healthier for herself and her fans. “I am very grateful that it happened,” she told Rolling Stone, which helped her focus on the future and work towards improvement for both herself and her supporters.
The singer announced she would be cancelling all upcoming tour dates shortly after the incident, stating, “I’m going away for a while. It pains me to say I have to cancel everything for the foreseeable future.” In a heartfelt message on her Instagram account, she thanked fans for their love and support and expressed hope for a second chance upon her return, one that she promised would be stronger and more resilient.
Young spoke candidly about her need for balance during her time away from the limelight. Despite facing criticism for her decision to step back, she emphasised that it was vital for her mental well-being, saying, “One thing that’s really helped me is slowing down, mentally, taking time to process.” Emphasising the importance of downtime and time spent with loved ones, she made it clear that self-care was at the forefront of her priorities.
“I faced a bunch of hate,” she admitted, but maintained a defiant spirit in the face of negativity. “When you’re doing something, there’s always going to be a couple of people talking trash. But it was a decision that I had to make. What else was I going to do, die? That was the reality of where my addiction was heading.”
Following her time away, Young made a triumphant return during the 2026 Grammys, where she performed a heartfelt live piano rendition of her song “Messy.” That evening marked a significant milestone in her career as she took home her first Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance, a testament to her talent and resilience.
Reflecting on her experience in the press room, Young reiterated her commitment to prioritising her mental health. “Now I am back. I feel better,” she said, expressing her determination to be there for her fans and those who care for her. She expressed deep gratitude for the support she has received and acknowledged the importance of understanding in her journey.
In an age where discussions about mental health and addiction are gaining prominence, Lola Young’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritising personal well-being. As she continues her recovery and musical journey, her candidness about her struggles may inspire others facing similar challenges.
For those grappling with substance abuse, resources such as the SAMHSA helpline can provide vital support and guidance. Contact details for assistance are available, highlighting the importance of seeking help during difficult times.