Los Angeles, California – British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean is relocating to Los Angeles following a breakthrough year that culminated in a Grammy Award for Best New Artist . The move, confirmed by industry sources, signals a concerted effort by her record label to position Dean as a major international pop star, drawing comparisons to Mariah Carey.
The decision comes after a period of significant momentum for the 26-year-old artist. Dean’s second album, The Art of Loving, has dominated the UK charts, holding the number one position for seven non-consecutive weeks – surpassing the five-week run of Adele’s 30 in 2021. She is also nominated in five categories at the upcoming Brit Awards, with the ceremony scheduled to take place later this month.
The shift to the United States follows a successful UK concert tour and reportedly stems from overwhelmingly positive reactions to Dean’s Grammy performance. Vocal coaches reportedly praised her technique, further bolstering confidence in her potential for growth in the American market. “Olivia has been convinced that the move to LA will be good for her career,” a source told the Mail on Sunday.
While previously hesitant about a life on the US West Coast, Dean’s perspective appears to have evolved. In a 2025 interview with Nylon, she expressed reservations about the “A to B” nature of Los Angeles and a perceived culture of constant observation, stating, “There’s just a culture of being watched [in LA], and I can’t live my life like that.” However, the recent surge in opportunities and industry support appears to have outweighed those concerns.
Dean’s musical roots are a blend of influences. Growing up in Haringey, London, she was exposed to the soul music of her English father, including artists like Al Green and Carole King, while her Jamaican-Guyanese mother instilled a love for Lauryn Hill and Angie Stone. This fusion of genres has become a hallmark of her sound, initially showcased in London clubs and now poised for a wider audience.
Friends describe Dean as grounded and appreciative of spontaneous moments, maintaining close ties with her family despite an increasingly demanding schedule of international calls and recording sessions. The transition to Los Angeles will involve a structured plan orchestrated by label executives who believe she has the potential to become Britain’s next major musical export, following in the footsteps of Dua Lipa.
The move is not without precedent. The music industry has a long history of seeking to cultivate international talent in the United States, leveraging the resources and infrastructure of the American market. However, the success of such ventures is far from guaranteed, and Dean will face the challenge of navigating a competitive landscape while maintaining her artistic identity.
Dean’s Grammy win marks a continuation of a recent trend of British artists achieving recognition on the international stage. She is the first Brit to win the Best New Artist award since Dua Lipa in 2019. The award acknowledges not only her musical talent but also the broader cultural impact of her work, as she noted in her acceptance speech, referencing her family’s immigrant history and the importance of celebrating bravery and collective support.
The success of previous Best New Artist winners, including Amy Winehouse, Billie Eilish, and Adele, demonstrates the potential for long-term career growth following the award. Industry analysts suggest that the Grammy Awards have become increasingly effective at identifying future superstars, with a growing number of nominees and winners maintaining relevance and achieving sustained success.
The broader implications of Dean’s move to Los Angeles extend beyond her individual career. It reflects a continuing shift in the global music industry, with artists increasingly seeking opportunities to reach wider audiences and collaborate with international producers and songwriters. The concentration of music industry resources in the United States remains a significant draw for artists from around the world, despite the challenges of adapting to a new cultural and professional environment.
While the specifics of Dean’s plans in Los Angeles remain undisclosed, her label has a comprehensive strategy in place to capitalize on her recent success. The focus will likely be on developing new music, securing collaborations with high-profile producers, and expanding her fanbase in the American market. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Dean can successfully transition from a rising star to a global pop icon.
