The expression “we made the right person famous” carries a lot of weight.
Those six words get thrown around on social media all the time, but, in reality, should be reserved for those who stand out in their art form, using their talent to create what genuinely resonates with their audience.
In the case of Lola Young, it feels less like a short-lived sentiment and more like an undeniable truth. With just over 40.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify, Young is on the fast track to becoming a mainstream artist.
Young is a 24-year-old singer-songwriter from Beckenham, South London who has quickly risen to fame with her hit song “Messy.”
The track went viral on social media at the end of 2024 as listeners were able to relate to the frustrations of constant criticism.
After a two month climb to the top of the charts, “Messy” has finally, and deservingly so, reached the No. 1 spot in the United Kingdom, according to BBC.
Young grew up in a home with an abundance of musical influence, according to Rolling Stone. Her dad was a professional bass guitar player and her mum always played music around the house. At six years old, Young’s mother forced her to play piano and guitar and take on singing lessons, ultimately setting her daughter up for stardom.
Young attended BRIT School, England’s renowned performing and creative arts school, which has produced stars like Adele, Amy Winehouse, Imogen Heap and Jessie J.
In June 2024, Young released her second studio album “This Wasn’t Meant for You Anyway” which featured the single “Messy.”
“It’s an ADHD anthem, that’s the best way I can put it. It’s very much like, “Look, I’m too messy. I’m this and that. I’m all over the place, but you choose to love me, so why don’t you accept that, accept who I am?” Young said in an interview with Beat Route.
The album’s title essentially claps back at criticism before people even get a chance to listen to it. If you like the music on the record, great, you like Young’s style and attitude. If you don’t like the tracks, well, the album wasn’t meant for you anyway — you’re just not on Young’s wavelength.
This title dives into Young’s unapologetic behavior that is slowly becoming a trademark. She understands that she doesn’t look like your run-of-the-mill pop star, and that’s exactly what she wants, or rather doesn’t want, to be.
Ahead of a busy few months on the sold-out European leg of her tour, Young is making her rounds in New York City.
On Jan. 21, Young made her debut on U.S. late-night television performing “Messy” on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
Her presentation of the song replicated the music video on a simple red carpeted stage with a beige back wall and a five-tiered cake front and center.
This passionate rendition of the hit featured Young’s distinct alto rasp while she sang about not meeting varying expectations of those around her. Toward the end of her set, she grabs a fitsful of cake and throws it on the stage.
Just a few days later, Young joined “Elvis Duran and the Morning Show” to talk about adjusting to the limelight and embracing her all-or-nothing approach to fame.
“You’ve got one life, why not just, you know, make the most of it?” Young said. “I never had a plan B so this was always my (only) option.”
Despite Young being on the U.K.’s radar for years, she is only just making a splash in the U.S.
We’re witnessing the birth of a popstar — and one who is wholeheartedly authentic, embracing her uniqueness and living unapologetically.
