Meet Olivia Dean, The 2026 Grammys Best New Artist Winner
Here’s everything you need to know about the British singer-songwriter whom everyone’s falling in love with right now.
Amid a pop girl renaissance that introduced us to the likes of breakout stars such as Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan and Charli XCX, Olivia Dean stands out for a very different reason. Yes, she sings about love much like the rest of them do – but it’s her distinctive tone of modern neo-soul and R&B sensibilities that set her apart from the pack. And, a Grammy win for 2026 Best New Artist only adds to the many reasons Olivia Dean has made herself so easy to fall in love with.
Who is Olivia Dean?
If you’ve spent any time on TikTok in the past year or so, you would’ve probably heard one or more of the 27-year-old’s songs. Born to a Jamaican-Guyanese mother and an English father, the London-based singer-songwriter has steadily built a following for her soulful, emotionally candid approach to love songs. Rather than overnight virality, Dean’s rise has been defined by consistency since her 2018 debut – from early EPs to her acclaimed studio albums – earning her listeners who crave warmth, sincerity and a feel-good perspective on love.
What is Olivia Dean’s music genre?
Dean’s sound sits at the intersection of neo-soul, R&B and jazz-tinged pop, anchored by an unmistakable sense of ease. In a full-circle detail that almost feels poetic, Dean’s middle name, Lauryn, was inspired by legendary hip hop and neo-soul icon Lauryn Hill – a recipient of the same Grammy award Dean was awarded almost 30 years later – whose music’s emotional depth and restraint Dean has subtly echoed in her own. Beyond Hill, Dean has cited Amy Winehouse, Carole King and Aretha Franklin as key inspirations.
How did Olivia Dean become famous?
Despite releasing music since 2018, it wasn’t till the past year that Dean truly crossed into the mainstream. She recently joined Sabrina Carpenter as a supporting act for the final leg of her US Short n’ Sweet Tour in late 2025, cementing her growing global profile. Longtime fans may recognise early favourites like OK Love You Bye (2019) or Dive from her debut album Messy, but it was her 2025 sophomore album The Art of Loving that marked her breakthrough moment. Led by the viral breakout song Man I Need, alongside buoyant and relatable tracks like So Easy (To Fall In Love) and Nice To Each Other, the album introduced Dean to a wider audience. Most recently, her bittersweet heartbreak ballad A Couple Minutes, has been making its rounds on TikTok.
Dating life: Who is Olivia Dean’s boyfriend?
While nothing has been confirmed, Dean has been spotted with Eddie Burns, the drummer for indie-pop sensation Clairo – sparking plenty of boyfriend rumours by fans and paparazzi alike.
Olivia Dean as a fashion icon
Beyond her honeyed vocals, Dean has also been serving in the fashion department. Recently named a Cartier brand ambassador and the face of Burberry’s Her Parfum fragrance, Dean has been generating plenty of conversation online for her style. Styled by Simone Beyene, Dean favours comfortable yet stage-ready feminine outfits– from relaxed, flowy maxi dresses to tailored sets and even sequined pieces, all designed to move with her while performing. Known for her polished yet chic aesthetic, she frequently wears brands such as Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu and 16Arlington. Most notably, she accepted her recent 2026 Grammy award in a custom Chanel gown by Matthieu Blazy.
Olivia Dean’s upcoming tour dates
So far, tour dates for Singapore and the rest of Asia have not been announced, but we’re keeping our fingers crossed. Dean is set to kick off The Art of Loving tour in late April 2026, making her rounds through UK, Europe and North America later this year. With an upcoming six-night sold-out gig at London’s O2 arena, it’s safe to say the world can’t get enough – and we’re buzzing to see what this rising neo-soul queen has up her sleeve next.