Singer Olivia Dean has been named Apple Music’s Artist of the Year for 2026, rte.ie reported. The streaming platform recognized the 27-year-old for growing her audience with vulnerable songs about love and friendship.
Dean’s second album, The Art of Loving, dropped last year and featured singles such as “Man I Need,” “Nice to Each Other,” and “So Easy (To Fall in Love).” Her track “Man I Need” has remained on Apple Music’s Daily Top 100 chart every day since August 29, 2025, according to rte.ie.
The latest accolade follows a dominant awards season for the British musician. She secured the Grammy for Best New Artist alongside four BRIT awards for Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Pop Act of the Year, and Song of the Year.
She also collected three MOBO awards for Song of the Year, Album of the Year, and Best Female Act, while both The Art of Loving and her debut album, Messy, earned Mercury Prize nominations.
Dean stands as the first UK-based artist to receive Apple Music’s Artist of the Year designation. Earlier this year, her collaboration with Sam Fender titled “Rein Me In” became the longest-running number one single in UK chart history, rte.ie reported.
Olivia Dean has been named Apple Music's ‘Artist of the Year’ 2026. pic.twitter.com/meH9kBR0WM
Previous recipients of the annual streaming award include Tyler, the Creator, Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, The Weeknd, and Lil Baby. Apple Music co-head Rachel Newman stated that Dean “speaks from the heart, every time.”
“Her songs make you want to call a friend, dance in your kitchen, and tell someone you love them,” Newman said, according to rte.ie. “She is open and genuine in everything she shares, and that connection is what turned a great year into a defining one.”
Dean expressed appreciation for the milestone. “I love making music. It’s the best thing in the world,” Dean said, according to rte.ie. “I think being Apple’s Artist of the Year feels really amazing. To be recognised as an artist that’s made an impact is really cool.”
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