Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi made a triumphant and emotionally charged return to the stage during Friday's BBC Children In Need appeal, marking his first major performance after a two-year break dedicated to his mental health.
A Powerful Return to the Spotlight
The 29-year-old artist captivated the audience with a raw performance of his vulnerable new single, 'The Day That I Die', which had been released to the public just hours earlier. Seated at a piano before a packed venue, Capaldi instantly silenced the room with his powerful vocals, dressed in a black bomber jacket over a simple black t-shirt and accompanied by a full backing band.
As the final notes faded, the Glaswegian singer appeared to fight back tears while the crowd erupted into thunderous applause, creating a poignant moment that underscored the significance of his return.
The Journey Back: Support and Setbacks
This emotional comeback follows a challenging period for the singer, who stepped away from the spotlight amid his ongoing battle with Tourette's syndrome. The condition famously manifested during his 2023 Glastonbury set, leaving him unable to finish the performance.
In a recent radio interview, Capaldi revealed the mixed support he received from fellow celebrities during his hiatus. While he praised Elton John as a 'really cool dude' for being one of the first to call him after the Glastonbury incident, he also claimed that some stars had lied about checking in on him.
'The day after Glastonbury Elton phoned and said it was wise to take a break,' Capaldi recalled on Hits Radio. 'I knew he had my email but I didn't know he had my number so he must have got it from management or something.'
He also highlighted the consistent support from friend Niall Horan, with whom he communicates frequently through a group chat. However, Capaldi noted the 'bizarre' experience of discovering that some who claimed to have checked on him had not actually done so.
A New Chapter in Mental Wellness
After taking time away from the pressures of stardom, Capaldi reports significant improvements in his wellbeing. The singer has shared with fans that he is no longer taking the antidepressant Sertraline, describing the process of coming off the medication as 'f*****g hard'.
Through therapy, Capaldi says he has felt the best he has in a long time, though he acknowledges he will 'always be an anxious person'. His focus has shifted toward learning how to respond to anxiety rather than trying to eliminate it entirely.
His return to Glastonbury this year for an emotional performance represented a full-circle moment, almost two years after his difficult experience on the same stage. Now, with his powerful Children In Need appearance and new music, Lewis Capaldi appears to be entering a new, healthier chapter of his career and personal life.
