Olivia Dean is Apple Music’s Artist of the Year for 2026
Apple Music named Olivia Dean its 2025 Artist of the Year, honoring her rapid rise to fame and cultural impact across streaming, awards, and live performances.
Olivia Dean was named Apple Music’s Artist of the Year for 2025, marking the first time a UK artist has received the accolade. The recognition follows her breakthrough album, *The Art of Loving*, released in late 2025, which propelled her into mainstream success. Dean’s single *Man I Need* has remained on Apple Music’s Daily Top 100 since its debut on August 29, 2025, underscoring her sustained popularity. Her rapid ascent included opening for Sabrina Carpenter at Madison Square Garden in fall 2025, followed by a four-night residency and a six-night sold-out run at The O2 Arena in London.
The award acknowledges Dean’s influence in blending 1960s soul and pop traditions with modern sensibilities, drawing inspiration from artists like Sade, Prince, and Lauryn Hill. Apple Music editors highlighted her ability to foster a community centered on love and affirmation, resonating with listeners through vulnerable and heartfelt songwriting. Dean’s music reflects themes of active love and connection, inspired by bell hooks’ 1999 book *All About Love: New Visions*. Her authenticity has cultivated a dedicated fanbase that engages deeply with her messages.
As Artist of the Year, Dean will receive a custom Apple Music Award featuring Apple’s silicon wafer encased in glass and aluminum, symbolizing the technology behind music discovery. The physical award reflects the artistry integral to creating music, with the same chip powering Apple devices also central to the design. Apple Music will celebrate Dean’s achievement with curated playlists spotlighting the year’s defining songs and voices. The recognition underscores Apple Music’s commitment to honoring artists who shape cultural conversations through their work.
Apple Music, available in over 167 countries, offers a catalog of over 100 million songs, lossless audio, and immersive sound through Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos. The platform provides expertly curated playlists, artist interviews, and global premieres via Apple Music Radio. Apple emphasizes its ad-free model and refusal to share consumer data with third parties, positioning itself as a supporter of both listeners and artists worldwide.