Olivia Dean’s breakthrough year keeps finding new ways to break through. The British singer has been named Apple Music’s Artist of the Year, becoming the first U.K. performer to be so honored. Coming a week before the Grammy nominations, the timing couldn’t be better.

Apple’s recognition reflects a remarkable 2026 for the singer, whose late 2025 Island album, The Art of Loving, has become a commercial smash and cultural touchstone and earned Dean the Grammy for Best New Artist.

The single “Man I Need” has appeared on Apple Music’s Daily Top 100 every day since it was released, on Aug. 29, 2025, and her Sam Fender duet, “Rein Me In,” broke a longstanding U.K. chart record with its 23 nonconsecutive weeks at #1.

“What sets Olivia apart is that she speaks from the heart, every time,” said Apple Music co-head Rachel Newman. “Her songs make you want to call a friend, dance in your kitchen and tell someone you love them.”

On the morning of Nov. 16, Dean will join Pharrell Williams, Herbie Hancock and others to announce the 2027 Grammy nominees. The Art of Loving is a top contender for Album of the Year, while “Man I Need” will vie for both Record and Song nods.

Dean is managed by Yo&Co’s Emily Braham and booked by CAA.