Apple today announced that Olivia Dean is Apple Music’s 2026 Artist of the Year in recognition of “her undeniable leap to stardom in what’s been the defining feel-good music story of 2026.”
Dean, who is the first music artist from the UK to receive this honor, will receive a physical Apple Music Award featuring a custom silicon wafer suspended between a polished sheet of glass, and a machined and anodized aluminum body.
Olivia’s late 2025 album, The Art of Loving, made a breakthrough in 2026, with her hit “Man I Need” charting on Apple Music’s Daily Top 100 every day since first appearing on August 29, 2025. In addition to selling out her global tour, she also won a GRAMMY for Best New Artist and four BRIT Awards, including Artist of the Year.
In fall 2025, Olivia opened for Sabrina Carpenter at Madison Square Garden, in New York City. Less than a year later, she returned for her own four-night residency and followed up with a six-night sold-out run at The O2 Arena, in London.
“I love making music,” said Olivia. “It’s the best thing in the world. I think being Apple’s Artist of the Year feels really amazing. To be recognized as an artist that’s made an impact is really cool.”
“What sets Olivia apart is that she speaks from the heart, every time,” said Rachel Newman, Apple Music’s co-head. “Her songs make you want to call a friend, dance in your kitchen, and tell someone you love them. She is open and genuine in everything she shares, and that connection is what turned a great year into a defining one.”
As Apple Music’s Artist of the Year, Olivia will receive a physical award that represents the extraordinary artistry integral to creating music. Each Apple Music Award features Apple’s custom silicon wafer suspended between a polished sheet of glass, and a machined and anodized aluminum body. In a symbolic gesture, the same chip powering the devices that put over 100 million songs at listeners’ fingertips also sits at the very heart of the Apple Music Awards.
Apple Music is celebrating Olivia’s Artist of the Year appointment with a special selection of playlists dedicated to the songs and voices that have shaped the last 12 months. Apple also released a video in which she shared her thoughts on being named the service’s Artist of the Year.
