Olivia Dean wins big at 2026 Brit Awards with four wins, including top artist and song
Olivia Dean was the standout star of the 2026 Brit Awards, walking away with an impressive four awards, including artist of the year, pop act, song of the year for her collaboration with Sam Fender on “Rein Me In,” and album of the year for “The Art of Loving.” At just 26 years old, Dean has quickly risen to prominence in the British pop music scene with her sophomore album, “The Art of Loving.” Her music, which delves into the complexities of modern dating, resonates with audiences due to its relatable nature. Dean’s ability to seamlessly blend various musical styles like bossa nova, trip-hop, neo-soul, and jazz has broadened her reach across different generations.
In addition to her success at the Brit Awards, Dean also clinched one of the prestigious “big four” Grammy Awards this year for best new artist, solidifying her commercial success both in the UK and the US. During her acceptance speech for album of the year, Dean expressed that her album was all about spreading love and compassion in a seemingly hostile world.
Dean’s domination at the Brit Awards was evident as she emerged victorious in all categories she was nominated in, even defeating herself in the song of the year category with her track “Man I Need.” Her collaboration with Sam Fender on “Rein Me In,” originally from his album “People Watching,” captivated audiences and topped the UK singles chart. Fender, on the other hand, secured the alternative/rock category award, marking his third win in that category.
The ceremony, held in Manchester for the first time at the Co-op Live arena, featured Jack Whitehall as the host, who entertained the audience with his signature humor and witty remarks aimed at various celebrities. Lola Young, another rising star in the music industry, received multiple nominations but walked away with the breakthrough artist award. Wolf Alice, the acclaimed group, secured the group of the year award for the second time, dedicating their win to small venues and clubs where they honed their craft.
Among the other notable winners were Dave for hip-hop/grime/rap act, Skepta, Fred Again, and PlaqueBoyMax for the dance act, and Sault for R&B act. In the international categories, Rosalía and Geese emerged as the winners for international artist and international group, respectively. Rosé’s triumph for APT marked her as the first K-pop artist to win at the Brit Awards, showcasing the global influence and reach of K-pop music.
The 2026 Brit Awards highlighted the diverse and talented musicians making waves in the music industry, showcasing the creativity and innovation that continues to define the British music scene. From breakthrough artists to seasoned veterans, the ceremony celebrated the power of music to bring people together and inspire change.