Lola Young delivered a breathtaking live performance of “Messy” at the Grammys, and it was nothing short of spectacular. With just her voice and a stripped-down arrangement, she showcased an incredible range of vocal techniques that left audiences in awe.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced singer, there is so much to learn from how Lola Young approaches this song. In this post, we are breaking down the key vocal techniques she used and how you can start applying them to your own singing.
How Lola Young Darkens Her Sound with Larynx Position
One of the first things that stands out in the performance of “Messy” is the dark, rich timbre Lola Young uses right from the opening lines. She achieves this by singing with a lowered larynx position combined with a generous amount of thyroid tilt.
The thyroid cartilage, which houses the vocal folds, tips forward to create that smooth, cry-like quality that separates singing from speaking. This combination gives her voice a warm, velvety tone that immediately draws the listener in.
If you want to experiment with this yourself, try thinking of a gentle “moo” sound to encourage the larynx to drop, then add a slight cry quality to your tone as you sustain a note.
Lip Shape and Vocal Tract Length in Messy
Another subtle but powerful technique heard throughout “Messy” is how lip positioning shapes the overall sound. Rather than spreading the lips wide, Lola Young keeps a relaxed, slightly rounded mouth position. This elongates the vocal tract, the space from the lips all the way down to the vocal folds, and produces a darker, more resonant tone. Here are a few things to keep in mind when working on this:
- Bringing the lips slightly forward darkens the sound.
- Spreading the lips creates a brighter tone.
- A relaxed jaw helps maintain consistency without tension.
- Small adjustments in mouth shape can dramatically change your vocal color.
Think of your lip position as a tool for “coloring” your vowels. In this performance, you can clearly hear how even minor changes in her mouth shape shift the mood of each phrase.
How Lola Young Uses Twang as a Vocal Coloring Tool
Twang is one of the most misunderstood vocal techniques, and Lola Young demonstrates exactly how to use it well. During certain phrases in “Messy,” she adds a bright, slightly nasal edge to her voice by narrowing the space above the larynx.
This is twang, and it serves two purposes: it brightens the sound and it adds volume without strain. However, the key takeaway from this performance is that she toggles twang on and off. She does not drench her entire performance in it. Important points about twang include:
- It brightens tone and increases perceived volume.
- It should be used as a stylistic choice, not a constant default.
- Relying on twang to close the vocal folds is not recommended; you should be able to achieve vocal fold closure independently.
- Mastering the ability to add and remove twang gives you far more dynamic range as a singer.
If you simply layer twang across everything you sing, you will lose the contrast and emotional depth that make a performance like this so compelling.
Tongue Position and Vowel Modification in Messy
One of the most fascinating details visible in the Grammys performance of “Messy” is Lola Young’s tongue position. Thanks to a great camera angle, you can see her tongue dropping low and pulling away from the bottom teeth during certain sustained notes. The back of the tongue dips noticeably, which pushes down on the larynx and further darkens the timbre.
This is a deliberate vowel modification technique. She is reshaping the inside of her mouth to change how the sound resonates. It is not required for every chest voice sound, but it is an artistic choice that adds thickness and emotional weight. Later in the performance, she contrasts this with higher tongue positions and brighter vowels, creating a dynamic push and pull that keeps the audience engaged.
Chest Voice and Speaking on Pitch Like Lola Young
Throughout much of “Messy,” Lola Young sings with what is best described as a chest voice quality, meaning the vocal folds are thicker and vibrating more fully in the mid to lower range.
What makes her delivery so authentic is that it often sounds like she is simply speaking on pitch. This conversational tone is incredibly effective for storytelling and emotional connection. It is worth noting that Lola Young has been open about having a vocal cyst, which contributes to the slight crackle and breathiness you hear in certain moments.
In some phrases, the vocal folds may not be making complete contact, allowing air to pass through and creating that raw, textured quality. Whether intentional or a byproduct of her vocal condition, it adds character that suits the honesty of the song perfectly.
Breathing and Articulation in Messy
As the performance of “Messy” builds in intensity, Lola Young’s breathing becomes more visible. She appears to take higher, chest-driven breaths, which may be partly influenced by the corseted dress she wore on stage. These higher breaths help increase subglottal pressure, the air pressure below the vocal folds, which supports louder and more powerful singing.
Equally impressive is her articulation. Every single word is clear and easy to understand, even during the most emotional moments. This level of clarity does not happen by accident. It is the result of dedicated practice and strong articulatory muscles. Some key points about her articulation:
- She maintains her natural accent while still being perfectly intelligible.
- Her consonants are crisp without sounding forced.
- Clarity of lyrics enhances the emotional impact of the performance.
- Strong articulation is built through consistent, targeted exercises over time.
Belt Technique and Dynamic Control from Lola Young
The climactic moments of “Messy” feature a full belt that is both powerful and controlled. Lola Young achieves this through increased thyroid tilt, a trumpet-shaped mouth opening, and a darkened vowel color. Despite the volume and intensity, her jaw remains relatively relaxed. She is not forcing or straining.
One clever technique she uses is starting belted notes on consonants like “L,” which creates back pressure that helps the vocal folds come together more easily. This is a practical trick any singer can use when approaching high, loud notes.
She also demonstrates masterful dynamic control throughout the performance, pulling back to near silence before exploding into full voice. This contrast is what makes the loud moments hit so hard. Without the quiet, the belt loses its power.
The Emotional Commitment Behind the Performance
Beyond all the technical skill, what truly sets this performance apart is the emotional commitment Lola Young brings to every phrase. Her facial expressions, her body language, and the way she leans into the lyrics all show an artist who is deeply connected to her material.
It is also worth appreciating the courage it takes to perform on such a massive stage. Even seasoned performers experience nerves, and delivering at this level under pressure is a testament to years of hard work and dedication. Every singer, no matter their experience level, can take something away from this: technique gives you the tools, but emotional authenticity is what makes a performance unforgettable.
If you want to learn more about how you can learn to implement these singing techniques into your own voice, let’s sit down for a chat and discuss if the vocal academy is the right fit for you. You can join us here.