Apple Music names British singer Olivia Dean 2026 Artist of the Year

British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean has been named Apple Music's Artist of the Year for 2026, making her the first UK artist to receive the honor. Dean's recognition comes after the success of her second album, The Art of Loving, released in late 2025, which gained significant attention throughout the year. Her hit single, Man I Need, has been featured on Apple Music's Daily Top 100 daily since August 29, 2025, and she also won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist and four BRIT Awards, including Artist of the Year.

Dean's growing popularity was driven by her warm and vulnerable songs about love and friendship, which have resonated with audiences. The 27-year-old singer will receive a physical award featuring Apple's custom silicon wafer suspended between a polished sheet of glass and a machined, anodised aluminium body.

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