Best New Artist Winner Olivia Dean Says She’s a “Product of Bravery” at Grammys 2026
It’s not just the man she needs. Rather, Olivia Dean is confident she knows precisely what she requires in any given situation.
Take her decision to record The Art of Loving—the sophomore effort that led to the British neo-soul singer topping KATSEYE, The Marías, Addison Rae, sombr, Leon Thomas, Alex Warren and Lola Young to win Best New Artist at the 2026 Grammys on Feb. 1—inside of an East London rental.
Having created 2023’s Messy by shuffling from studio to studio and dealing with “other people’s mugs where they make their tea, other people’s toilets where you’re having a bathroom break,” the “Man I Need” singer explained in a December Nylon cover story that she relished the opportunity to fully own the experience.
“I’m waking up, and I’m setting the tone of the room,” she explained. “I’m going to burn the incense, and when people arrive, I’m already there. I’ve pulled up what I want the reference to be for the day.”
Her scent of choice was the patchouli- and sandalwood-laced fragrance that attracts money. Perhaps attracting accolades would have been a bit too on the nose.
