The award caps off a defining year of stardom for the British singer-songwriter, driven by the massive ongoing success of her late 2025 album, The Art of Loving. Her breakout hit “Man I Need” has remained a constant fixture on Apple Music’s Daily Top 100 every single day since its debut in August 2025.
Over the past 12 months, Dean has picked up a Grammy Award for Best New Artist alongside four BRIT Awards, including Artist of the Year. Her live momentum surged from opening for Sabrina Carpenter at New York’s Madison Square Garden in autumn 2025 to returning less than a year later for her own four-night headline residency, followed by a sold-out six-night run at London’s O2 Arena.
Apple Music editors praised Dean’s warm, vulnerable songwriting, which draws inspiration from 1960s soul and pop, the sensuality of Sade, the bold musicianship of Prince, and the lyrical honesty of Lauryn Hill. Her themes of connection and intentional love were strongly influenced by bell hooks’ 1999 book All About Love: New Visions.
“I love making music,” said Olivia Dean. “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, added: “What sets Olivia apart is that she 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.”
As part of the recognition, Dean receives Apple Music’s physical award featuring a custom silicon wafer suspended between polished glass and an anodised aluminum frame.
