Olivia Dean’s ascent to pop stardom officially reached a new peak on Sunday, , when she was awarded the Grammy for Best New Artist. The 26-year-old British singer-songwriter, whose soulful voice and romantic lyrics have captivated audiences on both sides of the Atlantic, accepted the award with a moving tribute to her immigrant grandmother.
From Streets of London to Global Stage
Dean’s journey began in Tottenham, North London, and was nurtured growing up in Highams Park. She honed her craft as a busker in London, developing a sound deeply influenced by the music of her parents, including American singer Lauryn Hill – a connection reflected in her middle name, Lauryn. Her musical style blends neo-soul, R&B, and jazz-tinged pop, creating a sound that feels both contemporary and timeless.
While her debut album, Messy, released in 2023, already demonstrated her potential, reaching number four on the UK album charts, it was her second album, The Art of Loving, released in September 2025, that propelled her to international recognition. The album topped the UK charts and spawned a string of hit singles, including “Nice to Each Other,” “Lady Lady,” and the chart-topping “Man I Need.”
A Grammy Win and a Message of Gratitude
Dean entered the Grammy Awards ceremony as the frontrunner for the Best New Artist award, competing against Katseye, The Marías, Addison Rae, sombr, Leon Thomas, Alex Warren, and Lola Young. Her win marks the first time a British artist has claimed the title since Dua Lipa in 2019.
Accepting the award, Dean delivered a heartfelt speech, acknowledging her family’s history and the sacrifices made by previous generations. “I want to say I’m up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant,” she stated. “I’m a product of bravery, and I think those people deserve to be celebrated.”
Breaking Chart Records and Transatlantic Success
The success of The Art of Loving wasn’t limited to the UK. “Man I Need” became a transatlantic hit, reaching number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 in the week of the Grammy Awards. Remarkably, Dean simultaneously held four songs – “Man I Need,” “Nice to Each Other,” “So Easy (To Fall In Love),” and “Rein Me In” – within the UK Top 10, making her the first female solo artist to achieve this feat.
More Than Just Music: A Commitment to Fans
Beyond her musical achievements, Dean has garnered praise for her down-to-earth personality and commitment to her fans. She has described herself as someone who maintains a life outside of music and the spotlight, remaining close to her school friends and living with her best friend. This authenticity resonates with her audience.
Dean also demonstrated a strong sense of advocacy for her fans when she intervened after tickets for her shows were resold at exorbitant prices – up to fourteen times their original value. Working with her team, she secured refunds for fans who had overpaid, stating, “Every artist and their team should have the ability to limit resale to make live music accessible for everyone.”
A Rising Star in a Legacy of British Talent
Olivia Dean’s Grammy win places her among a distinguished lineage of British artists who have achieved international acclaim. She joins past Best New Artist winners such as The Beatles, Amy Winehouse, Adele, Billie Eilish, and Olivia Rodrigo. The award recognizes not only her current success but also her potential for a long and impactful career in the music industry.
Dean’s performance of “Man I Need” at the Grammy Awards further solidified her status as a rising star. The song, a joyful and soulful romantic ballad, has become emblematic of her sound and appeal. Her win is a testament to her talent, hard work, and the power of music to connect with audiences worldwide.
The 26-year-old’s story is one of slow-burn success, beginning with her first EP, OK Love You Bye, in 2019, and culminating in the industry recognition she received on . As she continues to evolve as an artist, Olivia Dean is poised to become a defining voice of her generation.
