Image: Apple
Apple has named Olivia Dean its Apple Music Artist of the Year for 2026, making the British singer-songwriter the first UK artist to receive the honour.
The announcement follows the success of The Art of Loving, released in late 2025. According to Apple, her single “Man I Need” has appeared on Apple Music’s Daily Top 100 every day since it first entered the chart on August 29, 2025.
Dean’s year also included a Grammy for Best New Artist and four BRIT Awards, including Artist of the Year. Apple says she sold out her global tour, with a four-night residency at Madison Square Garden in New York and six sold-out nights at London’s O2 Arena.
That is a fairly quick change of billing. In fall 2025, Dean was opening for Sabrina Carpenter at Madison Square Garden. Less than a year later, she was headlining the venue herself.
“To be recognized as an artist that’s made an impact is really cool,” Dean said in Apple’s announcement on Monday.
Apple Music co-head Rachel Newman credited Dean’s direct songwriting and connection with listeners. Apple’s editors also pointed to the influence of 1960s soul and pop on her music, alongside artists including Sade, Prince and Lauryn Hill.
The award itself includes a custom Apple silicon wafer housed between glass and an anodized aluminum body. Even the music trophy gets a chip.
Apple Music has also put together a selection of playlists marking the announcement, giving listeners a place to catch up on Dean’s music and other artists highlighted by the service this year.
Who’s your pick for artist of the year, if it wasn’t Olivia Dean?
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