Lola Young will headline this year’s Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party on March 15 in West Hollywood.
News comes just two days after Young took home the Grammy for best solo performance for her breakout single “Messy.”
Hosted by Elton John and David Furnish, the annual event raises critical funds to support the foundation’s mission to end new HIV transmissions and dismantle the stigma that continues to fuel the epidemic. The evening will be co-hosted by Neil Patrick Harris and his husband David Burtka.
“It’s been incredible getting to know Elton and David, and I’m grateful for the support they’ve shown my music,” Young said in a statement Tuesday. “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, and I’m proud to be part of a night that helps make a meaningful impact.”
Benefit chair and committee members include Patricia Arquette, Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris, Brandi Carlile and Catherine Shepherd, Chris Colfer, Lana Condor, Tiffany Haddish, Colton Haynes, Christina Hendricks, Tove Lo, Melanie Lynskey and Jason Ritter, Eric McCormack, Keke Palmer, Orville Peck, Michaela Jai Rodriguez, Sharon Stone and Donatella Versace.
“To honor the more than 40 million people living with HIV around the world, we cannot wait to gather once again with our friends and supporters to raise much-needed funds for our lifesaving programs,” John said in a statement Tuesday. “Over the years, this stage has welcomed extraordinary young artists I have championed like Chappell Roan, Sam Fender, Gabriels, Rina Sawayama, Brandi Carlile, Dua Lipa and many more — big voices that have gone on to shape culture and move the world. 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 EJAF viewing party began in 1992.
“The stakes remain urgent: more than nine million people still lack access to lifesaving HIV treatment,” said Furnish, who serves as chair of the foundation. “We’re committed to ensuring no one is left behind, and deeply grateful to longtime friends and champions like Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka for standing with us for their third year! We’re also thrilled to welcome Lola Young, an extraordinary young talent joining a legacy of artists who have helped turn one remarkable night into lasting impact for the people who need it most.”
Presenting sponsors of the 2026 gala include A+E Global Media, Chopard, Gilead Sciences, Robert and Dana Kraft, Bob and Tamar Manoukian and MISTR. Supporting co-sponsors include Iris and Michael Smith, plus centennial champagne toast and official airline partner, American Airlines, cocktails curated by Tequila Don Julio and the City of West Hollywood.
“HIV is not over, but we have the tools to end AIDS,” EJAF CEO Anne Aslett said. “We fund where others won’t, reach communities too often ignored, and scale solutions that work. Since 1992, this community of supporters, partners and advocates has raised nearly $124 million because we refuse to let anyone face HIV alone. The Academy Awards Viewing Party is more than a celebration. It’s how we turn bold action into real progress, and we won’t stop until this epidemic is over.”