Lola Young to Perform at Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar Party

Rising British singer-songwriter Lola Young has been announced as the headline performer for the Elton John AIDS Foundation's (EJAF) prestigious Academy Awards Viewing Party, set for March 15 in West Hollywood. The announcement arrives on the heels of Young's recent Grammy win for Best Solo Performance for her hit single "Messy," cementing her status as a breakthrough artist. The annual gala, founded and hosted by Sir Elton John and his husband, David Furnish, is a critical fundraiser dedicated to ending new HIV transmissions and combating the stigma that perpetuates the global epidemic.

This year's event will be co-hosted by Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka, marking their third year in the role. In a statement, Young expressed her honor at being selected, noting, "It’s been incredible getting to know Elton and David, and I’m grateful for the support they’ve shown my music. Performing at the foundation’s Academy Awards Viewing Party feels like a special moment in today’s world. Their work to support communities who need it most is so important to me." The benefit committee boasts an impressive roster of celebrity advocates, including Patricia Arquette, Brandi Carlile, Tiffany Haddish, Keke Palmer, Sharon Stone, and fashion icon Donatella Versace.

Elton John highlighted the event's legacy of spotlighting emerging talent. "Over the years, this stage has welcomed extraordinary young artists I have championed," he said, citing past performers like Dua Lipa, Rina Sawayama, and Brandi Carlile. "This year, we’re thrilled to continue that tradition with Lola Young, a truly remarkable talent. It’s such an exciting time for new British artists, and Lola’s sheer brilliance has put her right at the forefront globally." The viewing party, which began in 1992, has grown into one of Hollywood's most anticipated philanthropic nights. David Furnish, who chairs the foundation, underscored the ongoing urgency: "The stakes remain urgent: more than nine million people still lack access to lifesaving HIV treatment. We’re committed to ensuring no one is left behind."

The gala's significant impact is powered by its sponsors, with presenting support from A+E Global Media, Chopard, and biotechnology leader Gilead Sciences, a company long involved in HIV treatment research. Additional support comes from American Airlines, Tequila Don Julio, and the City of West Hollywood—a municipality with a deep historical connection to LGBTQ+ advocacy and public health initiatives. Since its inception, the event has raised nearly $124 million for the foundation's programs. As EJAF CEO Anne Aslett stated, "The Academy Awards Viewing Party is more than a celebration. It’s how we turn bold action into real progress. We fund where others won’t, reach communities too often ignored, and scale solutions that work." She added a note of determined optimism, a sentiment echoed by many in the field: "HIV is not over, but we have the tools to end AIDS. We won’t stop until this epidemic is over."