Will Olivia Dean Keep the Grammys’ Best New Artist Streak for Women Alive in 2026?

With her sultry tone, seductive lyrics, and soulful sound, Olivia Dean is undeniably on the rise.  As a result, she is a leading contender for Best New Artist at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards.  Additionally, her sophomore album, The Art of Loving, has reached No. 6 on the Billboard 200. Her globally popular single, “Man I Need” has also climbed to No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Could Olivia Dean Continue the Female Winning Streak?

With these impressive stats, Dean could possibly extend the female streak of winning Best New Artist to nine consecutive years. This run began in 2018 with Alessia Cara, and includes recent winners Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, and Chappell Roan. If Dean wins, she would become the first artist from England to win the award since Dua Lipa in 2019.  She will also become the second female named Olivia to win following Olivia Rodrigo.

Her eligibility stems from the rule that allows artists to be nominated in this category up to three times. Additionally, her breakthrough performance qualifies her under the screening committee’s assessment of “attained a breakthrough or prominence”.

Olivia Dean’s Star Quality

In addition to her consistent acclaim, Dean’s career has also been enhanced by a multitude of accolades. A Mercury Prize nominee for her debut album Messy (2023), Dean has also received three BRIT Awards nominations in 2024. These honors were for Best Pop Act, British Artist of the Year, and Best New Artist. Additionally, she has received Amazon Music’s Breakthrough Artist of the Year (2021), and BBC Music Introducing Artist of the Year (2023). She was also named a runner-up in the BBC Sound of 2024.

Blending influences from artists like Lauryn Hill and Amy Winehouse, Dean continues to be a prominent voice on the music scene. Nominations are set to be announced on November 7, 2025. Final-round voting begins on December 12, 2025, and continues through January 5, 2026.