Olivia Dean wins big at the 2026 BRIT Awards

Nomathamsanqa Sithathu|Published

British singer Olivia Dean scooped four awards at the Brits Awards for Artist of the Year, Best Pop Act, Song of the Year and Album of the Year.

Image: Instagram

It’s so easy to fall in love with Olivia Dean’s album, “The Art of Loving”. 

From the first listen, it feels warm, honest and deeply human, an album that understands modern love in all its tenderness and confusion.

It’s that emotional honesty that makes her 2026 BRIT Awards success well deserved.

The 26-year-old was the biggest winner at the event, which took place in Manchester on Saturday, February 28, marking the ceremony’s first-ever move away from London.

Dean walked away with four trophies, claiming Artist of the Year, Best Pop Act, Song of the Year and Album of the Year for "The Art of Loving", which was recognised for the impact it has had since its release in 2025.

The record has been praised for its intimate songwriting and genre-blending sound, drawing from neo-soul, jazz, trip-hop and soft pop influences, while still feeling accessible and relatable.

Dean also won Song of the Year for “Rein Me In”, her collaboration with Sam Fender.

Interestingly, she was competing against herself. Her solo hit "Man I Need" was also nominated in the category. The track has been a mainstay on the UK charts since its debut, fueled by its massive viral presence across TikTok and Instagram.

Accepting the Album of the Year prize, the visibly emotional Dean spoke about the heart behind the project.

“This album is about love and loving each other in a world that feels loveless right now,” she said. 

Dean’s BRITs triumph follows an already remarkable year.

She recently won the Grammy for Best New Artist, which shows her growing influence beyond the UK and highlights her rising status on the global stage.

The singer also performed "Man I Need", which had audiences on their toes. 

While Dean is no stranger to the music industry, she has recently evolved into a powerhouse with a truly international following.

Her album’s exploration of self-love and emotional honesty struck a chord with a multigenerational audience, with the music meaning something unique to every listener.

Meanwhile, the event also celebrated other standout artists with Wolf Alice, Raye and Harry Styles among those taking top honours and delivering memorable performances.