Lola Young has opened up about her recent health struggles, revealing she is in recovery after battling drug addiction and mental health issues following a concerning on-stage collapse last year.
The singer sparked alarm in September when she was carried off stage during a performance at the All Things Go Music Festival in New York, prompting her to cancel all upcoming shows.
@dailymailau Lola Young collapsed and was 'carried off stage' by medical staff at the All Things Go Music Festival in New York on Saturday. The incident came just moments before the 24-year-old admitted she had a 'tricky couple of days' and wasn't sure she could have attended the festival. Lola took to Instagram hours after to address the incident and wrote: 'Hi, for anyone who saw my set at all things go today, I am doing okay now. Thank you for all of your support xxx' The mystery medical crisis occurred after she cancelled a concert on Friday 'due to a sensitive matter'. #lolayoung #newyork #fyp ♬ original sound - Daily Mail Australia
At the time, Lola told fans she would be “going away for a while” to “work on herself,” adding that she would be stepping back from touring for the “foreseeable future” — a move that signalled the seriousness of the situation behind the scenes.
Now, speaking candidly about that period, Lola has confirmed that her collapse was linked to a difficult struggle with addiction and her mental health. She described her recovery as an “ongoing process,” but said she is now doing a “hell of a lot better.”
Opening up further, she said: “I mean drugs recovery, yes. When you're in recovery… that doesn't necessarily need to mean drugs — but me specifically, yes.”
During her time away from the spotlight, the singer revealed she had checked into a holistic treatment facility, where she was supported through both addiction and mental health challenges.
While she chose not to disclose the exact location, she explained the nature of her stay, saying: “What I can tell you is that I was being looked after.” She has since continued her recovery journey by attending Alcoholics Anonymous, indicating a commitment to long-term healing.
Lola also shed light on the wider pressures she had been facing at the time, explaining: “There were a lot of things going on for me personally — I was going through a lot of mental health issues, a lot of battling with addiction.”
@fallontonight @lolayounggg breaks down the lyrics of her hit song “Messy”: “Some days, you haven’t washed your socks. Do you know what I mean? You don’t need to wash your socks every day. It’s ridiculous.” #FallonTonight #TonightShow #LolaYoung #Messy #JimmyFallon ♬ original sound - FallonTonight
Her honesty adds to a growing number of artists speaking openly about the toll that life in the music industry can take, particularly for younger performers navigating sudden fame and intense public scrutiny.
The singer, who has built a strong following in recent years thanks to her raw, emotional songwriting and distinctive voice, had been on a steady rise before the incident, making her sudden absence all the more noticeable to fans.
Her decision to step back — and now to speak openly about why — marks an important moment both personally and professionally.
Lola Young is a rising British artist known for her raw, soulful voice and deeply personal songwriting, blending elements of soul, pop and alternative R&B. Hailing from South London, she first gained attention in her late teens after studying at the prestigious BRIT School — the same institution that produced stars like Adele and Amy Winehouse.
Early on, she built a reputation for emotionally charged performances and candid lyrics, quickly setting her apart from her peers.
Her breakthrough came through a combination of viral moments and high-profile co-signs, including support from Elton John, who praised her as one of the UK’s most exciting new talents. Tracks like Together in Electric Dreams — recorded for a major Christmas advert — and later releases helped push her into the mainstream, while her debut projects showcased a fearless honesty about relationships, identity and mental health.
That openness has become central to her appeal, particularly among younger audiences.
In recent years, Lola’s career has continued to build momentum, with sold-out shows and festival appearances cementing her status as one to watch on the UK and Irish music scene.
However, her rapid rise has also come with challenges. Her much-publicised on-stage collapse in New York last year marked a turning point, forcing her to step back from touring and focus on her health — a move that highlighted the pressures faced by emerging artists navigating sudden fame.
Now, she has begun making a gradual return to the stage, telling fans she feels “a lot better” following time spent focusing on her recovery and wellbeing. Her comeback performances have been met with strong support, with audiences rallying behind her honesty and resilience.
As she resumes live shows, Lola appears to be entering a new phase of her career — one defined not just by her talent, but by a renewed sense of balance and control.
While she has yet to confirm when she will return to live performances, her latest update suggests she is firmly focused on her recovery and wellbeing. For now, Lola’s priority appears to be maintaining her progress and stability, with fans continuing to rally behind her as she takes time away from the spotlight.
