Harlow Bidwell ‘28, Opinion Editor
Whether it is standing center stage at the 2026 BRIT Awards holding four medals signifying her talent, or accepting her award at the 2026 GRAMMYs as Best New Artist, Olivia Dean is the music industry’s princess. With her recent performances at the end of 2025 and into 2026, she has been gaining the attention of the public, online and everywhere. The success of Dean’s music, such as “Man I Need” and “So Easy (To Fall in Love)” featured on social media apps like TikTok and Instagram, brought attention to her discography. Dean’s mix of genres changed her Messy beginning to a scene of bright Hollywood lights, but where did she start?
On March 14, 1999 in Haringey, North London, Dean was born into a family full of courage. Dean mentions her heritage as the root of inspiration for her music career, with her grandmother showing her the drive and passion to succeed. “I’m up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant. I wouldn’t be here—I am a product of bravery, and I think those people deserve to be celebrated. We’re nothing without each other,” she said at this year’s GRAMMY’s during her acceptance speech. Parental guidance also helped with her unique sound as her mother raised her on neo-soul artists such as Jill Scott and Lauryn Hill, while her father was into more classical sounds like Carole King.
The trophies Dean carries are recognition of her persistence: her latest work, The Art of Loving was released on Aug. 16, 2025, and it was built up on several singles throughout the summer, like “Nice to Each Other.” This album, though, is not Dean’s first release. At first, she released singles, collaborations, and extended plays (EPs) from 2018 to 2021 even before the announcement of her first album, Messy, in 2023. “Reason to Stay” was her debut single, which she released without a producer or production team at age 19, which was then followed by her feature on “Adrenaline” by the band Rudimental in 2019 after touring with them as a backup singer. The single had a humble beginning, with mainly streams coming from word of mouth, and streaming playlists in order to gain traction. This is in major contrast to Dean’s latest release which hit the UK Top 10 and quickly went platinum, making her go from a niche, London rooted artist, to a globally known name on the rise.
With her roots being prominent within her sound has become fuel for Dean’s takeover that continues to push her to the top. After the release of her sophomore album, The Art of Loving, Dean received a “chart double” by simultaneously holding the number one spot on the UK albums chart and the UK singles charts, making her the first solo British female artist since Adele in 2021 to achieve this title. With awards season coming to an end, she is ready to take her essence to venues for her sophomore album’s world tour, headlining iconic venues like Madison Square Garden in New York City. This is a massive leap for the singer who had once sang in car parks, showing her intimate storytelling can be just as powerful anywhere.
As the curtains come to a close for Dean’s 2025 discography, it is clear that she is no longer just another rising star, but an artist that has a “one in a million” sound. By honoring her heritage and not smoothing over the messy parts of being human, the music she creates feels personal and monumental. Dean’s journey proves that the most powerful way to the top is staying true to yourself. As she prepares to headline The Art of Loving tour across the ocean, one thing is certain: the world is experiencing the art of loving Dean.
Lyon Life 