British singer-songwriter Lola Young has officially joined the ranks of Grammy winners, securing her first golden gramophone for Best Pop Solo Performance at the 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony held on Sunday, February 1. The prestigious recognition came for her critically acclaimed single "Messy", marking a triumphant milestone in her career just four months after a frightening health crisis that saw her collapse during a live performance.
The 25-year-old artist's victory was announced by presenter Charli XCX, whose pronouncement of Young's name triggered an immediate and visceral reaction from the stunned musician. Young leapt from her seat with visible shock, momentarily turning back to exchange incredulous glances with her table companions before swiftly making her way to the stage at Los Angeles's Crypto.com Arena. Her unfiltered, genuine response set the tone for what would become one of the evening's most memorable acceptance speeches.
Addressing the star-studded audience and millions of viewers worldwide, Young immediately acknowledged her lack of preparation with characteristic candor. "I don't have any speech prepared. Obviously, I don't. It's 'Messy,' do you know what I mean?" she quipped, cleverly referencing the title of her winning track. The spontaneous remark drew appreciative laughter from the crowd, who recognized the authentic moment unfolding before them.
As the reality of her achievement began to sink in, Young's emotions became palpable. "I don't know what to say. Thank you so much. You can tell by my f---ing face. Sorry, sorry, sorry," she exclaimed, the profanity slipping out in a moment of pure, unscripted emotion that only endeared her further to fans watching the broadcast. The brief apology that followed demonstrated her awareness of the formal occasion while maintaining the raw honesty that has become her artistic signature.
The musician quickly composed herself to deliver heartfelt gratitude, stating, "I'm very, very grateful for this," before dedicating the moment to two important figures in her life. "Nick [Shymansky], we did it, Mom. I love you," she concluded, referencing her producer and her mother in a touching tribute that highlighted the support system behind her success.
Young's path to Grammy glory was far from straightforward. The victory comes after a tumultuous period that began in September 2025 when she collapsed on stage during her performance at the All Things Go festival. The alarming incident raised immediate concerns about her health and wellbeing, prompting the artist to make the difficult decision to step away from the spotlight. By the end of that month, she had announced the cancellation of all upcoming performances, informing fans that she would be "going away for a while" to focus on her recovery.
In a sincere message shared across her social media platforms at the time, Young expressed deep remorse to her supporters. "I'm so sorry to let anyone down who had purchased a ticket to see me perform, and it hurts me more than you know," she wrote, conveying the emotional weight of her decision. The statement concluded with a hopeful promise: "I really hope you'll give me a second chance once I've had some time to work on myself and come back stronger."
True to her word, Young made a careful and measured return to public life. Her first appearance came in December 2025 when she attended Lily Allen's Christmas party, signaling that her recovery was progressing positively. The following day, she took to Instagram to provide a more comprehensive update on her journey back to health.
"I just wanted to express gratitude to everyone who has given me time and space to gather myself and get my head in a better place," Young shared with her followers. "I've felt so much love and support from you all, and it has helped more than you will ever know." The message reflected her appreciation for the patience and understanding shown by her fanbase during her hiatus, reinforcing the strong connection between the artist and her audience.
The competition in the Best Pop Solo Performance category was formidable, featuring some of the music industry's biggest names. Young's "Messy" triumphed over Justin Bieber's "DAISIES", Sabrina Carpenter's "Manchild", Lady Gaga's "Disease", and Chappell Roan's "The Subway". The diverse lineup represented the best in contemporary pop music, making Young's victory all the more significant as she held her own against established superstars and rising talents alike.
The 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony, broadcast live from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, was available to viewers through multiple platforms. Fans could watch the event on CBS or stream it live and on-demand via Paramount+, ensuring global access to music's biggest night. The show continued its tradition of celebrating artistic excellence while providing unforgettable moments like Young's heartfelt acceptance.
For Lola Young, this Grammy win represents more than just professional validation—it's a testament to resilience, artistic authenticity, and the power of second chances. Her journey from a health crisis that threatened to derail her career to standing on stage accepting one of music's highest honors embodies the very spirit of perseverance that resonates with so many. The recognition for "Messy" feels particularly poetic, as the song's title mirrors the unpredictable, nonlinear path that led to this triumphant moment.
As the music industry continues to evolve, stories like Young's remind us that behind every polished performance and prestigious award lies a human being navigating challenges, setbacks, and breakthroughs. Her willingness to be vulnerable both in her art and in her public statements has created a deeper connection with audiences who see their own struggles reflected in her journey. This Grammy win not only celebrates a remarkable song but also honors the strength it took to return to the stage—figuratively and literally—and claim her place among pop music's elite.