Olivia Dean has become the first UK artist to receive Apple Music’s Artist of the Year award, following a breakthrough year driven by chart success, major awards and sold-out shows.

Apple Music has officially announced Olivia Dean as its Artist of the Year for 2026, recognising the British singer-songwriter’s incredible rise over the past 12 months.

Following the release of her second album, The Art of Loving in late 2025, Olivia has become one of the year’s biggest musical success stories. From a Grammy win and four BRIT Awards to record-breaking singles and sold-out arena shows, she’s had a year to remember.

She’s also the first UK artist to receive Apple Music’s Artist of the Year award, joining previous winners including Tyler, The Creator (2025), Billie Eilish (2024 and 2019), Taylor Swift (2023), Bad Bunny (2022), The Weeknd (2021) and Lil Baby (2020).

Olivia Dean’s highlights from 2026

Released in September 2025, Olivia’s second album, The Art of Loving, became the foundation for her breakthrough year. One of its lead singles, ‘Man I Need’, has appeared on Apple Music’s Daily Top 100 every day since first entering on 29 August 2025.

The album’s success also helped earn Olivia the Grammy Award for Best New Artist, alongside four wins at the 2026 BRIT Awards, including British Artist of the Year.

Olivia’s success hasn’t been limited to streaming though. Her collaboration with Sam Fender, ‘Rein Me In’, became the longest-running number one single in UK chart history, spending 23 non-consecutive weeks at the top of the Official Singles Chart.

Olivia has also taken her music to some of the world’s biggest stages. After opening for Sabrina Carpenter at Madison Square Garden in 2025, Olivia returned less than a year later for her own four-night run at the iconic New York venue. She followed this with six sold-out nights at London’s O2 Arena as part of her global tour.

Speaking about the award, Olivia said: “To be recognized as an artist that’s made an impact is really cool.”

Apple Music co-head Rachel Newman also praised the connection Olivia has established with her audience, highlighting how her openness and genuine approach have helped turn a successful year into a defining one.

You can check out Olivia Dean’s music on Apple Music.

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Could you be the next Apple Music Artist of the Year?

Olivia Dean’s success is an exciting reminder of just how far your music can go. Her rise over the past year has been nothing short of impressive. Who knows, if you distribute your music to Apple Music with RouteNote, you could be the next Apple Music Artist of the Year!

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