Who are Lola Young’s parents? Nepo baby claims explored amid 'Messy' singer’s first VMA performance

Lola Young is making headlines with her performance at the 2025 MTV’s VMA Awards, on September 7, 2025. The event was held at UBS Arena, Long Island.

According to posts circulating on X, she performed her viral track Messy on the Extended Play Stage in a powerful and electrifying live set. The British artist released the single in May 2024 as a part of her second studio album, This Wasn't Meant for You Anyway.

Young was nominated for Best New Artist, and her song, Messy, was up for Best Alternative award at this year’s VMAs. Messy hit No. 1 on both Billboard’s Pop Airplay and Alternative Airplay charts in 2025, according to a Billboard report.

Some critics have alleged that Young is a nepo baby but in a recent interview she has denied all such claims. Her father is Jamaican-Chinese, and her mother is English. She said that her parents are from artistic and musical backgrounds which has influenced her career.

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What has Lola Young said about “nepo baby” claims against her?

Lola Young has recently addressed the “nepo baby” claims following her success. During an interview with Capital Buzz, as reported by People magazine, she addressed the speculation, and said:

“Some people are saying I’m a nepo baby because my great aunt wrote The Gruffalo.”

Young's great-aunt Julia Donaldson is the author of the children's book mentioned by her. The singer added:

“I mean what kind of rubbish is that? I have so much to say on that which I can’t even talk about. But I’m not a nepo baby, I’m not an industry plant, there we go I said it. I’ve cleared that up for you losers that want to comment rubbish on the internet.”

Lola Young grew up in Beckenham, South London. Her stepfather is a professional bass player while her mother works at the mental health charity, Mind. In an interview with Elle UK, Lola Young shared:

“I didn’t grow up with loads of money. My mum and stepdad are proud, and I support them where I can. I’m from a musical household and started piano early. A lot has changed, but so much has stayed the same. I have the same friends, the same family, the same sisters stealing my clothes. That grounds me.”

In the same interview, she acknowledged that intense public scrutiny can sometimes be overwhelming:

“It’s tricky. I used to watch others go through it and wonder what it felt like. Now I know. I’ve spoken with artists like Jorja Smith about the scrutiny.”

Young added:

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“When you get a million comments, it’s hard not to let the bad ones in. Some days I can’t go online – the intensity and the remarks that target your insecurities can be too much. But I know what I stand for. There’s no façade or alter ego. I’m just promoting who I am. Some people don’t like that.”

Lola Young's musical journey began at the age of 11. After attending the BRIT School, she won the Open Mic UK singing competition, with her song, Never Enough which opened doors for her. By the time she was 23, she released 27 singles, two albums and two Eps.

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