UPDATE
09 November 2026
Olivia Dean is Apple Music’s Artist of the Year for 2026
Olivia Dean was announced today as Apple Music’s Artist of the Year, recognizing her undeniable leap to stardom in what’s been the defining feel-good music story of 2026. She is the first UK artist to receive this honor.
Olivia’s late 2025 album, The Art of Loving, truly broke through this year. Her hit “Man I Need” has charted on Apple Music’s Daily Top 100 every day since first appearing on August 29, 2025. In addition to selling out her global tour, she won a GRAMMY for Best New Artist and four BRIT Awards, including Artist of the Year. In fall 2025, Olivia opened for Sabrina Carpenter at Madison Square Garden, in New York City. Less than a year later, she returned for her own four-night residency and followed up with a six-night sold-out run at The O2 Arena, in London.
Olivia has found and grown her audience with warm, vulnerable songs about love and friendship. Apple Music editors have highlighted the grace with which her music taps into the rich songwriting tradition of 1960s soul and pop, and is inspired by the sensuality of Sade, the brazenness of Prince, and the honesty of Lauryn Hill — all while fostering a community built on love. Olivia’s messages of affirmation and connection resonate deeply with her fans. Listeners have responded to her worldview that expressing love, in all its forms, is an active practice that takes conscious effort, an idea inspired by the 1999 book All About Love: New Visions, by bell hooks.
“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.”
“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 Apple Music’s Artist of the Year, Olivia will receive a physical award that represents the extraordinary artistry integral to creating music. Each Apple Music Award features Apple’s custom silicon wafer suspended between a polished sheet of glass, and a machined and anodized aluminum body. In a symbolic gesture, the same chip powering the devices that put over 100 million songs at listeners’ fingertips also sits at the very heart of the Apple Music Awards.
Celebrate Olivia’s Artist of the Year appointment with a special selection of playlists dedicated to the songs and voices that have shaped the last 12 months.
About Apple Music
Apple loves music. Apple revolutionized the music experience with iPod and iTunes. Today, the award-winning Apple Music celebrates musicians, songwriters, producers, and fans with a catalog of over 100 million songs, expertly curated playlists, and the best artist interviews, conversations, and global premieres with Apple Music Radio. With original content from the most respected and beloved people in music, autoplay, time-synced lyrics, lossless audio, and immersive sound powered by Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, Apple Music offers the world’s best listening experience, helping listeners discover new music and enjoy their favorites while empowering the global artist community. Apple Music is available in over 167 countries and regions on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, HomePod, CarPlay, Apple Vision Pro, and online at music.apple.com/sa, plus popular smart speakers, smart TVs, and Android and Windows devices. Apple Music is ad-free and never shares consumer data with third parties. More information is available at apple.com/sa/apple-music.
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