Olivia Dean's year of love earns her Apple Music's top artist honor
British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean has reached another milestone in her career after being named Apple Music’s Artist of the Year, recognizing her rise to international stardom and the impact of her music in 2026. She is the first UK artist to receive the distinction.
The recognition follows a breakthrough year for Dean, whose late-2025 album, The Art of Loving, gained significant momentum in the months following its release.
Her hit single “Man I Need” has remained a fixture on Apple Music’s Daily Top 100 since it first entered the chart on Aug. 29, 2025. Beyond her streaming success, Dean has also earned major industry recognition, winning a Grammy Award for Best New Artist and four BRIT Awards, including Artist of the Year.
Her growing popularity has also translated into sold-out performances across major venues. In fall 2025, she opened for Sabrina Carpenter at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Less than a year later, she returned to the venue for a four-night residency of her own before heading to London for a six-night sold-out run at The O2 Arena.
Much of Dean’s appeal comes from her heartfelt songwriting, which explores love, friendship and human connection. Her music draws from the traditions of 1960s soul and pop, while reflecting influences from artists such as Sade, Prince and Lauryn Hill.
Her songs also carry a message of affirmation and openness, encouraging listeners to see love in its different forms as something that requires intention and effort. This perspective draws inspiration from bell hooks’ 1999 book All About Love: New Visions.
“I love making music,” said Olivia. “It’s the best thing in the world. I think being Apple’s Artist of the Year feels really amazing. To be recognized as an artist that’s made an impact is really cool.”
Rachel Newman, Apple Music’s co-head, praised Dean's ability to connect with listeners through her honesty and songwriting.
“What sets Olivia apart is that she speaks from the heart, every time,” said Rachel Newman, Apple Music’s co-head. “Her songs make you want to call a friend, dance in your kitchen, and tell someone you love them. She is open and genuine in everything she shares, and that connection is what turned a great year into a defining one.”
As part of the recognition, Dean will receive a physical Apple Music Award, designed to celebrate the artistry and craftsmanship behind music creation.
Each award features Apple's custom silicon wafer suspended between a polished sheet of glass, supported by a machined and anodized aluminum body. The chip symbolizes the technology behind the devices that give listeners access to more than 100 million songs through Apple Music.
Fans can also revisit the music that defined the past year through a special collection of playlists dedicated to Dean and the artists and songs that have shaped the past 12 months.