Lola Young has officially stepped back into the limelight, but the British pop sensation is making one thing clear: her healing journey is far from finished.
In a candid conversation with The Sunday Times published on March 28, the “Messy” singer reflected on her sobriety, describing it as an “ongoing process.” This vulnerability comes as she navigates a return to the stage following a necessary hiatus spent in a residential treatment facility. Her recent comeback was highlighted by a soul-stirring performance at the 2026 Grammy Awards, marking her first major public appearance since her alarming collapse during the All Things Go festival last September.
“I’d prefer to keep the finer details private for my own peace of mind,” Young explained during the interview. “However, I will say that recovery isn’t a finish line I’ve already crossed. I’m a work in progress, but I’m doing significantly better than before.”
When pressed for clarification on the nature of her rehabilitation, Young was direct. “In terms of drug recovery, yes,” she noted. “Recovery can mean many things to different people, but for me specifically, that is what it entails.”
Young has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness in the past, previously sharing her diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder. In a recent feature with Rolling Stone, she detailed how the intersection of her mental health struggles and the pressures of sudden global fame led to a cocaine dependency that eventually reached a breaking point during her autumn festival circuit.
Following that health crisis, the artist made the difficult decision to scrap her touring schedule to prioritize her well-being. Reflecting on her time in treatment, she told The Times, “I was being properly cared for, which is what I needed.”
She also touched upon the unique burdens placed on modern performers. “As artists, we live under a microscope. We face constant scrutiny, from our music to our outfits. We’re expected to handle it all with grace, and while it might look like we’re thriving from the outside, the reality is often much heavier.”
The hardships of the past year made her Grammy win for Best Pop Solo Performance even more poignant. Recalling the moment her name was called, she admitted, “I was absolutely terrified. I was in total shock just to be in the room, let alone to walk away with a win.”
Following her milestone night at the Grammys, Young successfully hosted an intimate, one-night-only performance at the London Palladium, signaling a new, healthier chapter in her career.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance use or mental health challenges, help is available. Contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential support and treatment referrals 24/7.
