British singer Olivia Dean has won Apple Music’s Artist of the Year award for 2026. She is the first British artist to receive the award.
Apple announced the winner on November 9, 2026. The award recognises Dean’s success in music sales, streaming and live performances.
Her second studio album, The Art of Loving, came out in September 2025. The album includes songs about love and relationships. Her single Man I Need became a major hit. It also secured a place on Apple Music’s Daily Top 100 chart in August 2025.
Dean won several major music awards in 2026. She received the Grammy Award for Best New Artist. She also won four BRIT Awards. These included Artist of the Year and Album of the Year.
Her live performances also drew large audiences. In 2025, she opened for Sabrina Carpenter at Madison Square Garden in New York. She later returned to headline four shows at the same venue.
Dean also performed six sold-out concerts at London’s O2 Arena. The shows marked another milestone in her career.
Dean welcomed the recognition from Apple Music. She said, “I love making music. It’s the best thing in the world.” She also thanked listeners for supporting her work.
Apple Music co-head Rachel Newman praised Dean’s songwriting and her connection with fans.
Apple Music will present Dean with a physical award. It features Apple’s custom silicon wafer set between a polished glass sheet and an anodized and machined aluminium body. The platform has also released playlists featuring her songs.
The award adds to Dean’s achievements in 2026. Her album, singles and live performances helped her reach audiences worldwide.
Also read: How HYBE’s ADOR Allegedly Tightened Its Grip on NewJeans
Writer by the day, musician by night!
