Lola Emily Mary Young (born 4 January 2001 in London) is an English alt-pop and R&B singer-songwriter whose raw, confessional writing and viral online presence have established her as one of the UK’s most compelling young artists Wikipedia+15Wikipedia+15Rolling Stone UK+15. She grew up in Croydon and Beckenham, to a Jamaican‑Chinese father and English mother, and trained in piano, guitar, and singing from age six. She won a national Open Mic contest at 13, which led to her acceptance at the BRIT School, a celebrated incubator for UK talent Rolling Stone UK+4umusic NZ+4Wikipedia+4.
Young released her debut Intro in 2019, followed by the mini‑album Renaissance (2020) and EP After Midnight (2021). Her debut studio album, My Mind Wanders and Sometimes Leaves Completely (2023), laid the groundwork for greater things, but it was her second album This Wasn’t Meant for You Anyway (June 2024) that truly broke through. The album debuted in multiple countries—UK, Canada, US—and launched her into wider acclaim Rolling Stone UK+3Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3.
Her song “Messy”, released May 2024, went viral on TikTok and dominated the UK Singles Chart, reaching number one in the UK, Australia, Ireland, Belgium and more, and peaking at number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The track is often described as a modern “ADHD anthem” for its conversational, unfiltered lyrics People.com+3Wikipedia+3latimes.com+3.
Lola is known for her unapologetic authenticity—open about her ADHD and schizoaffective disorder, as well as vocal cord issues that have forced her to cancel shows at times Wikipedia. In May 2025, she publicly addressed her sexuality, responding to a fan on TikTok with “I like p***y as well u kno,” marking her first direct acknowledgment of attraction beyond men Them+1People.com+1.
Lola’s latest single “One Thing” (May 2025) embraces sexual agency and gender‑ambiguous desire, celebrating desire on her own terms. The video garnered criticism tied to body shaming, but also praise from fans and commentators for her refusal to conform to narrow beauty standards News.com.au+1Them+1.
Despite a technical failure at the June 15, 2025 Capital Summertime Ball at Wembley—during which her earpiece cut out and she was moved to tears onstage—Young emerged stronger. Shortly after, she announced her upcoming album I’m Only F–––ing Myself, set for September 19, 2025, and a North American tour beginning in November m.facebook.com+3instagram.com+3People.com+3.
Lola Young’s rise blends vulnerability and defiance—from viral hits to fearless self‑expression—positioning her as one of modern pop’s most magnetic new voices.
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