Singer Lola Young made a surprise appearance on the final day of the Reading Festival, performing hits like "Messy" and "One Thing." The unexpected set marks a notable moment in her return to the public eye after canceling shows last year due to health issues.
Young had teased her appearance on Instagram, writing, "I am backstage, the cat is out of the bag and I am going to be performing so see you... at the Grid stage." Her performance was welcomed by festival-goers.
Last year, Young canceled a string of shows, including a previously scheduled appearance at Reading Festival, citing an "unavoidable scheduling conflict." Shortly after, she experienced an on-stage collapse in New York in September, leading to the cancellation of all performances "for the foreseeable future." At the time, she posted a message to fans, stating, "I really hope you'll give me a second chance once I've had some time to work on myself and come back stronger."
Young has been open about her struggles with drug dependency, which she told The Guardian had affected her for a significant period. She has since undergone treatment and has been gradually returning to performing. Her comeback began with a series of smaller UK shows, starting in London in March. Despite feeling ready to perform more, she has indicated a desire to continue taking things slowly.
Before her surprise set at Reading, Young performed at the Electric Picnic Festival in Ireland on Saturday. Fans are still awaiting her fourth album, though she released the reflective single "From Down Here" in May.
The Reading Festival's final day featured a diverse lineup, including drum and bass duo Chase & Status and Florence + The Machine. The festival's sister event in Leeds also concluded on Sunday with performances from artists like Raye and Dave.