Olivia Dean Lights Up Manchester Ahead of the 2026 Brit Awards
The intimate, candle-lit show at Albert Hall was part of the BRITs Week for War Child series. For Dean, it was a triumphant homecoming after months on the road across North America with Sabrina Carpenter. Clad in a stunning jade green ballgown, the 26-year-old singer-songwriter delivered a performance that felt both regal and remarkably grounded.
The “Grammy Winner” Returns Home
Earlier this month in Los Angeles, Olivia Dean made history by winning the Grammy Award for Best New Artist 2026. Her acceptance speech—a moving tribute to her immigrant grandparents—solidified her status as Britain’s newest global superstar.
The Art of Loving: A Sophomore Sensation
The Manchester setlist was anchored by tracks from her sophomore album, The Art Of Loving, released in late 2025. The album has been a commercial and critical juggernaut:
- The Hits: Fans sang every word to the UK No. 1 monster hit “Man I Need” and the jazz-inflected “Nice to Each Other.”
- The Sound: Critics have compared her latest work to the lineage of Sade, Amy Winehouse, and Lauryn Hill, praising its blend of neo-soul, bossa nova, and modern pop.
- The Chart Milestone: Dean recently became the first female solo artist to simultaneously hold four UK top-ten singles.
Brit Awards 2026: Five Nominations for Dean
As the music industry shifts its gaze to Manchester’s Co-op Live for the Brit Awards on Saturday, February 28, all eyes are on Dean. She leads the field with five nominations, including:
- Artist of the Year
- Mastercard Album of the Year (The Art Of Loving)
- Song of the Year (Man I Need)
- Song of the Year (Rein Me In ft. Sam Fender)
- Best Pop Act