Lola Young Calls Festival Collapse a “Breaking Point” in Addiction Battle

British singer Lola Young has spoken publicly for the first time in detail about her recovery from cocaine addiction, following a dramatic onstage collapse in 2025 that forced her to step away from her career.

The 25-year-old artist shared her experience in recent interviews with The Sunday Times Style and Rolling Stone, describing the incident as a turning point that led her to seek urgent help.

Young collapsed on September 27, 2025, during a performance at the All Things Go Music Festival in New York. While singing her track “Conceited,” she appeared visibly unwell and told the crowd she was about to faint before falling on stage. She was carried off and later cancelled the remainder of her tour, saying she needed time to focus on her health.

Reflecting on the moment, Young said it marked a “breaking point” in her addiction. She acknowledged the severity of her condition, stating that without intervention, the outcome could have been fatal.

Following the incident, Young entered a holistic treatment facility, where she spent two months in intensive, therapy-based care. She described the program as highly structured, allowing her to focus fully on recovery. Since leaving the facility, she has continued attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and is working with a sponsor as part of her ongoing support system.

Young also revealed that several high-profile artists, including Elton John, Lady Gaga, Charli XCX, and Katy Perry, contacted her during her recovery to offer encouragement.

In addition to substance addiction, Young has been managing schizoaffective disorder and ADHD. She noted that balancing mental health challenges with the pressures of a growing music career has been difficult, particularly during periods of instability.

Despite these challenges, Young has returned to performing and recording. In February 2026, she won Best Pop Solo Performance at the Grammy Awards for her song “Messy.” She resumed live performances shortly after, including a headline show at the London Palladium on March 4.

Her latest album, I’m Only F**king Myself, has received critical attention, with Young now acknowledging that many of its lyrics were shaped by her struggles with addiction at the time.

Young has emphasized that her return to music is deliberate and measured. She said she does not consider herself fully recovered but believes she is in a significantly better place and committed to maintaining her progress.