Lil Nas X has opened up about his bipolar diagnosis, sharing he is "doing much better" following a mental health episode that led to his arrest in August 2025. In a three-minute Instagram video shared earlier this month, the "Old Town Road" singer said he has "been in rehab for a few months." Since then, he has returned home to spend time with family in Atlanta.
"I'm feeling better, I'm creating freely, and there's less fear in my heart," he said. "I'm just smelling the roses."
Last summer, the 27-year-old artist, born Montero Hill, was charged with attacking Los Angeles police officers, who found him walking the streets in his underwear. He pleaded not guilty. A judge allowed Hill to enter a mental health program in April, which eventually led to his charges being dismissed.
With anthems like "Old Town Road," "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)," and "Industry Baby," Lil Nas X has served as a trailblazer for queer representation in genres historically hostile to it, including hip-hop and country music. Alongside his boundary-pushing fashion and anthemic hits, Lil Nas X was also one of the first mainstream artists to fuse elements of country, trap, and pop, leading the way for the genre fluidity that still tops charts today.
In his video message, Lil Nas X said he knew he had bipolar disorder for a few years but avoided medication, worried about people's perceptions. "I've been in rehab for a few months, and since then I've been back at home ... and trying to ground myself down to earth and get out of my head. I have a therapist now, and a psychiatrist, which has been really helpful," he continued.
Lil Nas X expressed gratitude for his seven-year music career and confirmed new music is on the way. He joked, "I'm already Black and gay, like, damn God, come on! Black, gay, bipolar — I'm living life on extreme hard mode." The artist now appears optimistic about his next chapter, saying, "All I want to do is continue to try to make you proud and make myself proud, so let's go!"
Why was Lil Nas X arrested?
Back in August 2025, Lil Nas X was arrested in Los Angeles after walking down the street in only his underwear and boots in a disoriented state. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the singer charged at officers. He was later charged with three felony counts of battery with injury to a police officer and one of resisting arrest. After pleading not guilty, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. In April, he was granted a mental health diversion in lieu of jail time; his charges will be dismissed if he continues treatment and obeys the law for two years.
Though he has only released one album, 2021's double-platinum "Montero," Lil Nas X has been working on a second release, tentatively called "Dreamboy." His career began in 2019 with the viral smash "Old Town Road," which spent a record 19 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song sparked debates about genre categorization and race in country music, ultimately leading to a remix with Billy Ray Cyrus. Lil Nas X's open sexuality also made headlines; he came out as gay in 2019 during the peak of the song's popularity.
His debut album "Montero" featured bold visuals and themes of queer desire, including the controversial "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" music video, which depicted Biblical imagery and sparked backlash from conservative groups. Despite the controversy, the album was critically acclaimed and cemented his status as a pop culture icon. He followed up with hits like "Industry Baby" featuring Jack Harlow and the heartfelt "That's What I Want."
Beyond music, Lil Nas X has been an advocate for mental health awareness. His recent openness about seeking therapy and medication challenges the stigma surrounding bipolar disorder, particularly in the Black community and the entertainment industry. Mental health experts note that celebrities like Hill can help normalize conversations about psychiatric care and reduce shame for those with similar conditions.
Lil Nas X's journey also highlights the pressures of fame at a young age. Rising to stardom at 19, he faced intense scrutiny from both fans and critics. In past interviews, he discussed the loneliness and anxiety that accompanied his rapid success. His recent video marks a departure from his usual brash persona, offering a vulnerable glimpse into his struggles.
His influence on music is undeniable. By melding country, hip-hop, and pop, he opened doors for other genre-bending artists like Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, and Post Malone. His fearless embrace of queer identity in hip-hop and country—two genres often seen as hypermasculine—has also paved the way for LGBTQ+ artists such as Saweetie and Kevin Abstract to express themselves more openly.
As for his upcoming album "Dreamboy," he has teased tracks that explore his recent experiences, including his mental health journey. In a snippet posted on social media, he croons about "finding light in the dark" and "learning to breathe again." Fans eagerly await its release, which could be one of the most anticipated albums of 2026.
In the meantime, Lil Nas X continues to focus on his well-being. He has been spotted in Atlanta with family, attending therapy sessions, and even volunteering at local LGBTQ+ youth centers. His team has emphasized that he is taking his recovery seriously and that his music will reflect his growth. The artist himself has promised that the next era will be "more honest and more human" than anything he has done before.
Lil Nas X's story is a reminder that success does not shield anyone from mental health challenges. His willingness to speak publicly about his diagnosis and treatment could inspire countless fans to seek help. As he said in his video, "I'm not perfect, but I'm trying. That's all any of us can do."
The music industry is watching closely as he rebuilds his career. With a new album, a renewed sense of purpose, and a supportive community around him, Lil Nas X appears ready to continue his reign as one of pop's most innovative and resilient stars. For now, he is simply grateful to be alive, creating, and smelling the roses.
Source: MSN News