Singer Lola Young has revealed that vaping has made her breathing difficult, describing it as a “chore.” In a TikTok video, the Grammy winner shared with her followers that her lungs feel “battery powered.”
The 25-year-old artist has previously admitted in videos that she “should quit” vaping, but indicated in her latest post that this change is not imminent.
Young recounted a past warning: “Somebody once said to me, ‘Lola there will be a day when you wake up, you’ll be 25 or 26, from a deep sleep, and you’ll start to feel the effects of vaping’.” She recalled dismissing the advice at the time, saying, “You know what I said? I said ‘nah’ and rolled my eyes. But let me tell you something, the day has come.”
Describing her symptoms, Young stated, “My lungs feel like they’re battery powered, like they’re just one big battery. Breathing feels like a chore, it feels like hard work, it feels like I should be paid for breathing. It feels like there will be no tomorrow.”
Vocal coach Lizzii Hills informed Newsbeat that vaping is “not advised” for artists, explaining that breathing difficulties can negatively impact a singer’s voice and overall performance. Newsbeat has contacted Young’s representatives for comment.
Hills, who works with artists on their vocals, emphasized that vaping affects the entire respiratory system. “Vaping may not affect the voice box just itself, it affects the lungs, the airways, the throat – it’s all respiratory, it’s all connected. So doing that can affect your vocal technique,” she said. She added that singers may find themselves “trying harder, putting in more effort for the same results you were getting beforehand.”
The vocal coach also highlighted the psychological toll on artists who struggle with their voice due to vaping. “They can feel like they’ve lost themselves,” Hills noted. “It can become quite a big deal emotionally.” She concluded by stating that she would not recommend vaping to her clients, stressing that performers should maintain optimal health for their voice. “We all know it’s not the healthy choice and if you can avoid it – absolutely.” Efficient exhalation, singing requires controlled inhalation and sustained.
Earlier this year, Young returned to the stage after a five-month break due to health issues, which included collapsing on stage. She has been open about her past struggles with health and addiction, including cocaine dependency, and was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and ADHD as a teenager.
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) last month linked vaping to increased rates of breathing problems after reviewing over 80 studies. Their review also found connections to wheezing, coughing, poor oral and dental health, sleep disturbances, mental health issues, and eye symptoms. While the NHS states that vaping is less harmful than smoking, it acknowledges existing risks, many of which remain unknown.
In an effort to make vapes less appealing, the government introduced a ban on single-use vapes last year. Additionally, a new tax will be applied to e-cigarette liquid starting Thursday, adding an extra £2.20 per 10ml.
