Lola Young Cancels All Upcoming Events to Focus on Mental Health

British singer-songwriter and viral sensation Lola Young has canceled all upcoming public appearances, including concerts and promotional events, to focus on her mental health and personal growth. The announcement, made via her official channels, has been met with both empathy and concern from fans, fellow musicians, and advocates for artist well-being worldwide .

Young, 24, who rose to prominence with her hit single "Messy" and acclaimed performances at major venues, framed her decision as a necessary pause in a rapidly accelerating career. In her statement, she expressed gratitude for the support she has received while emphasizing the importance of taking time to "work on myself" in order to return stronger, healthier, and more creatively fulfilled .

Lola Young’s career has been marked by both early promise and relentless hard work. Raised in South East London within a musically supportive family, Young began learning instruments at age six and writing songs by eleven . Her formative years included attending the renowned BRIT School, whose alumni include Adele and Amy Winehouse, and winning local competitions such as Open Mic UK .

By 2019, Young had signed with Island Records and released her debut EP, quickly gaining attention with her soulful blend of pop, R&B, and indie influences. Her cover of "Together in Electric Dreams" for a major holiday campaign in 2021 brought her mainstream recognition, culminating in a BRIT Award nomination and collaborations with celebrated artists .

Her most recent album, "This Wasn’t Meant for You Anyway," released in June 2024, featured the viral hit "Messy" and delved deeply into themes of heartbreak, personal growth, and the complexities of mental health . Young’s music has resonated with a broad audience by addressing life’s struggles—romantic, emotional, and existential—with honesty and vulnerability.

Young’s decision to step back is part of a growing movement among high-profile artists who are openly prioritizing mental health over relentless productivity. The pressures faced by emerging talents—especially those from marginalized or underrepresented backgrounds—are significant. LGBTQ+ artists, in particular, often confront additional layers of stress, from public scrutiny of their identities to unique challenges within the entertainment industry .

Research indicates that LGBTQ+ individuals experience higher rates of mental health concerns, including anxiety and depression, than their cisgender, heterosexual peers, often due to discrimination, social isolation, and lack of culturally competent support . While Young has not publicly discussed her sexual orientation or gender identity in detail, her candidness about mental health struggles resonates powerfully within LGBTQ+ communities, where vulnerability and authenticity are increasingly celebrated as acts of resilience.

Prominent figures in music have rallied to Young’s side, commending her courage and reinforcing the need for systemic changes in how the industry supports artists’ mental health. Fans have flooded social media with messages of encouragement, sharing stories of how Young’s music has helped them navigate their own challenges .

LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, including Stonewall and MindOut, have highlighted Young’s announcement as a teachable moment, leveraging the visibility to call for improved mental health resources for queer and trans artists and audiences alike . They note that representation alone is not sufficient—sustainable careers require environments where well-being is prioritized alongside artistic achievement.

Young’s openness adds to a growing chorus of artists—such as Sam Smith, Demi Lovato, and Lil Nas X—who have spoken out about their struggles with mental health, often in the context of navigating both fame and marginalized identities. Their stories underscore the importance of intersectional support networks and the urgent need for policies that address the unique pressures faced by LGBTQ+ creators .

For fans, Young’s decision is both a moment of disappointment and deep respect. The cancellation of shows and events is a reminder of the human cost behind the music and the necessity of prioritizing well-being over performance.

As the conversation evolves, mental health advocates urge industry leaders, event organizers, and fans to extend empathy and tangible support—not only to Lola Young but to all artists navigating the complexities of creative life in the spotlight.

While there is no announced timeline for Young’s return, her message is unequivocal: growth and healing take precedence over relentless output. As Young steps back to "work on myself," her journey serves as a powerful testament to the importance of self-care, authenticity, and community support—values that resonate deeply within LGBTQ+ circles and beyond .

For those seeking support, organizations such as The Trevor Project (www.thetrevorproject.org) and MindOut (www.mindout.org.uk) offer resources tailored to LGBTQ+ individuals facing mental health challenges. As the industry and its audiences reflect on Young’s decision, her story serves as an invitation for greater compassion, understanding, and collective action to ensure that all artists—regardless of identity—can thrive both on and off stage.