Experience Lola Young’s stunning rendition of the viral sensation “Messi” on Fallon!

Lola Young’s Debut Performance

Lola Young delivered an incredible debut performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Check out her rendition of “Messy” below.

• READ MORE: Lola Young: the south London star who has taken America by storm

Impactful First Appearance

The emerging alternative artist from south London made her talk show debut on Tuesday (January 21), marking her first late-night TV studio performance after a remote appearance on Corden back in 2021.

Before she performed her viral hit “Messy,” Young engaged in a brief interview with the host, where she reflected on the contrasts between headlining a show and performing at a festival, along with her admiration for SZA and Frank Ocean.

When discussing what fans can anticipate at one of her concerts, she shared: “The Lola Young Show is fun, edgy, and raw. It’s a bit of a slap in the face; it’s not always perfect.”

“Sometimes my voice gets choked up, and occasionally I’m too tired to even do it! But every show is unique and feels electric, and I love performing.”

This version of “Messy” follows its recent viral success, as it has climbed to No. 24 on the Billboard Hot 100. It will appear on her upcoming 2024 debut album It Wasn’t Meant to Be Anyway.

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Collaboration with Tyler, The Creator

In another part of the interview, Young reminisced about her collaboration with Tyler, The Creator on his acclaimed album Chromokopia, where she featured on the track “Like Him.”

Describing Tyler as a “magical man,” Young recounted how he approached her for the collaboration in an unconventional manner. “He texted me a photo,” she began, “It was a Busta Rhymes sticker with no context. This is his usual way of communicating with me…”

“I’m not sure if he does this with anyone else,” she laughed. “It’s unusual; he’s a quirky guy.”

Last summer, her debut album received a stellar five-star review from NME, which labeled it “the most distinguished and daring realization of her experimental tendencies.”

“Young’s first full-length album showcases her unique approach to creation; lush soul sets are juxtaposed with raw, prickly indie tunes, each allowing the South Londoner to explore desire in its many forms. This collection strikes a balance between strength and vulnerability,” the review noted.

“While Young’s specific angst and edginess might draw from SZA, she possesses the genuine star quality necessary to cultivate an already robust artistic identity. This record maintains a sense of confidence, even through its darkest moments.”

During the same period, Young spoke with NME as part of The Cover series, highlighting her candid approach to songwriting. “I think any artist who is dishonest in their lyrics is easily spotted,” she stated.

“I found that songs are genuinely perfect for you when you write them, but everything shifts. The album is gritty, real, and raw. It reflects who I aspire to be and who I am at this moment.”

To commemorate her role as a cover star, Young curated a playlist titled “Songs For When I Want To Feel Sex,” featuring tracks from Doja Cat, Gwen Stefani, Willow, Amaarae, and others. Check it out here.