Lola Young, the acclaimed British pop singer and songwriter, has announced she is stepping away from music and canceling all upcoming performances after a dramatic onstage collapse at the All Things Go Festival in New York. The 24-year-old artist, known for her raw, emotionally charged songwriting and candid discussions about mental health, left fans and fellow musicians shaken following the incident on September 27, 2025.
The collapse occurred in the midst of Young’s set at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, as she performed her song “Conceited” from her second studio album, This Wasn’t Meant For You Anyway. According to Billboard, Young had just told the crowd she’d “had a tricky couple of days” due to a “sensitive matter.” Moments later, she took a step back and fell, prompting medics to rush to her aid and wheel her offstage. The scene sent shockwaves through the audience, with fans expressing concern and confusion as the festival paused to address the emergency.
Just one day prior, Young had withdrawn from a scheduled performance at the We Can Survive concert at Newark’s Prudential Center, citing mental health reasons. Her manager, Nick Shymansky, described the cancellation as a “sensitive matter,” emphasizing the importance of taking protective measures to ensure Young’s safety. “Lola is very open about her mental health and there are very occasionally days where myself and my team have to take protective measures to keep her safe,” Shymansky wrote on Instagram, as reported by Billboard. “She is an incredible person and always takes her fans, career and performances seriously. I can only send huge apologies for the inconvenience caused.”
In the immediate aftermath of her collapse, Young took to Instagram Stories to reassure her followers. “Hi, everyone who watched my set at All Things Go today, I am doing all right now. You are really so supportive,” she wrote, attempting to calm the anxieties of her fans. The next day, however, she canceled her scheduled appearance at the All Things Go festival in Washington, D.C., deepening worries about her health and well-being.
On September 30, Young issued a heartfelt statement via Instagram, announcing her decision to cancel all future commitments indefinitely. “I’m going away for a while. It pains me to say I have to cancel everything for the foreseeable future. Thank you for all the love and support. I’m so sorry to let anyone down who has bought a ticket to see me, it hurts me more than you know,” she wrote. Young also promised that ticket holders would receive full refunds and added, “I really hope you’ll give me a second chance once I’ve had some time to work on myself and come back stronger. Love you all, Lola x.”
The singer’s openness about her mental health journey has been a defining aspect of her career. Born in London in 2001, Young rose to prominence with her breakout single “Messy,” quickly gaining a reputation for blending pop, R&B, and soul with unfiltered honesty. She has released three studio albums, including I’m Only F**king Myself in September 2025, and has built a loyal following both in the UK and internationally.
Young has never shied away from discussing her struggles. Diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and schizophrenia at age 17, she has spoken candidly about the challenges these conditions present. Schizoaffective disorder, a chronic but treatable mental illness, affects mood, thinking, and perception, sometimes causing those affected to lose touch with reality. In addition, Young has managed ADHD, beginning medication earlier in 2025 that she says changed her mood and thinking. She’s also been open about her recovery from addiction and past vocal cord issues, which have previously forced her to cancel shows.
Her willingness to share these personal battles has resonated with many fans, who see her as a symbol of resilience and vulnerability in an industry often marked by relentless pressure and scrutiny. In her own words, Young has encouraged others to “address both mental and physical health equally,” highlighting the importance of self-care in an artist’s demanding life.
The events of late September brought an outpouring of support from the music community. After Young’s collapse, fellow performer Remi Wolf told the audience, “That was really f------ scary,” before assuring them that Young was backstage and okay. Doechii, another artist on the festival bill, led fans in a chant of “We love you, Lola!” during her set, while Hayley Kiyoko posted on Instagram, “We love you Lola, take all the time that you need.”
The cancellations have left fans across the U.S. and beyond in limbo. Young’s North American tour, which had included packed shows in Brooklyn and Philadelphia just days before her collapse, was set to continue with additional dates in November. The sudden halt to her tour also means a pause in the promotion of her latest album, leaving the future of her career uncertain for now.
For many, Young’s decision to prioritize her health—even at the cost of her burgeoning career—serves as a powerful reminder of the pressures artists face and the importance of mental health awareness. As her manager noted, “She is an incredible person and always takes her fans, career and performances seriously.” The music world has rallied around her, offering messages of love, patience, and understanding as she takes the time she needs to recover.
Despite the frightening nature of her onstage collapse and the disappointment felt by fans who had eagerly awaited her performances, Young’s transparency and courage have only deepened the respect she commands within the industry. She has made it clear that, while the road to recovery may be long, her commitment to returning stronger remains unwavering.
As the dust settles on a turbulent week, Lola Young’s story stands as both a cautionary tale and an inspiration. In a world that often demands constant output and perfection from its stars, her willingness to step back and focus on healing is a testament to the enduring power of self-care and the strength it takes to ask for help. For now, fans and fellow artists alike wait with bated breath, hopeful for the day when she feels ready to return to the stage.
