Fans chanted “Lola” minutes before the English singer-songwriter took to the American Express stage at Austin City Limits Music Festival on Saturday. The chords to Lola Young’s “Wish You Were Dead” sparked uproar from attendees as she walked onto stage, beginning her brutally honest and raw hour-long set.
Young had incredible vocal range for her second ACL performance, and the 25-year-old proved herself as one of the best acts of the weekend.
“The next thing, the neighbor said she’s calling the feds,” Young sang. “And I wish you were dead for a sec’ / I wish you were dead.”
The set featured songs from her two most recent albums, This Wasn’t Meant For You Anyway released in 2024 and I’m Only F**king Myself released in 2025, including “Big Brown Eyes,” “One Thing” and “Conceited.”
“You bought me some flowers / I gave them to someone else,” Young sang. “Told me that you loved me / you’re just talking to yourself.”
After playing “SAD SOB STORY! :),” Young talked about her interview with Brené Brown shortly before her set, about her time in Texas and said “intense” is her favorite word.
“Basically, my second new thing since I’ve been in Texas is like, ‘Yeah, buddy!’” Young said. “And it’s just not mine. It doesn’t fit the vibe… I need a new expression, so if anybody wants to let me know a new expression that is a little bit more fitting, then please let me know after the show.”
Over a year after Young collapsed on-stage during the All Things Go Music Festival in 2025, she appeared stronger than ever, not losing momentum once. She opened up about taking time off to care for herself and said she’s “just a person.”
“I’ve been learning to navigate this newfound success, or whatever it is.” Young said. “I’m getting better, and I am better. I feel amazing at the moment, and to share this experience with you (means) everything in the world to me.”
Continuing with hits like “d£aler” and “SPIDERS,” Young played “Not Like That Anymore,” reflecting on addiction and self-sabotage.
“And now I’m locked out, got nowhere to go / and my phone got stolen and my balance is low,” Young sang. “But if I look on the bright side / at least I’m not fucking myself anymore, not anymore.”
Ending the set with the very song that won Young Best Pop Solo Performance at this year’s Grammy’s, Young performed the hell out of “Messy,” asking the crowd to sing along with her. Taking in the large audience, Young looked out to the crowd, a smile on her face.
