Olivia Dean Celebrates Grammy Win with Super Bowl Kickoff Performance

The British singer-songwriter reflects on her breakout year and how she's staying grounded amid newfound fame.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 4:00pm by Ben Kaplan

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An abstract close-up image featuring a dramatic, high-contrast texture of glittering sequins and shattered glass, conceptually representing the glamour and energy of Olivia Dean's music and career.Olivia Dean's meteoric rise to fame and her commitment to authenticity and accessibility have made her an inspirational figure in the music industry.San Francisco Today

Olivia Dean, the 27-year-old British singer-songwriter, is riding high after winning the Grammy Award for Best New Artist. Just days after her big win, Dean headlined a Super Bowl kickoff party in San Francisco, performing for a star-studded crowd that included the likes of Russell Wilson, Ciara, Cardi B, and Jon Hamm. In an interview, Dean opens up about her whirlwind journey, the lessons she's learned from the strong women in her life, and her mission to create music that promotes compassion and connection.

Why it matters

Olivia Dean's rapid rise to fame and critical acclaim highlights the power of an artist who stays true to their authentic self and vision. Her music, which offers a refreshingly honest and nuanced perspective on love and relationships, has resonated deeply with listeners, making her an inspiring role model for young women. Dean's commitment to accessibility and her fight against ticket scalping also demonstrate her values-driven approach to the music industry.

The details

In the five days since winning her Grammy, Dean has gone straight from music's biggest weekend in Los Angeles to football's biggest in the Bay Area, performing at a Super Bowl kickoff party hosted by Uber. Despite the whirlwind, Dean remains grounded, crediting the strong women in her life - including her mother, a lawyer and activist, and her close-knit group of friends from the BRIT School - for keeping her centered. Musically, Dean's breakout album 'The Art of Loving' has been praised for its subtlety and emotional intelligence, eschewing the toxic narratives that dominate much of pop music in favor of nuanced explorations of self-worth and healthy relationships.

  • Olivia Dean won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist on January 28, 2026.
  • Dean performed at the Super Bowl kickoff party in San Francisco on February 2, 2026.

The players

Olivia Dean

A 27-year-old British singer-songwriter who recently won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist.

Christine Dean

Olivia Dean's mother, a lawyer who worked in child and family law and became the first Black woman to be deputy leader of the U.K.'s Women's Equality Party.

Lauryn Hill

The acclaimed singer-songwriter who won the Grammy for Best New Artist the year Olivia Dean was born.

Queen Latifah

The legendary rapper and actress who Olivia Dean saw looking at her during the Grammys ceremony.

Ravyn Lenae

A singer who met Olivia Dean when they performed together at the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball in December 2025 and felt a kinship with her.

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What they’re saying

“I'm up here as the granddaughter of an immigrant. I'm a product of bravery, and I think those people deserve to be celebrated....We're nothing without each other.”

— Olivia Dean

“Olivia has this warmth that reaches everybody. It's a feel-good energy from her that pulls you in. It's refreshing to see an artist break through and shine on her own terms. She is the exact kind of artist I would love my daughter to look up to.”

— Victoria Monét, 2024 Grammy Winner for Best New Artist

“There is no way that I'm going to get up on that stage and sing my heart out while somebody sits at home and makes $500 or $600 off of me and you. I want people to be able to afford to come to the show. I don't think you need to be someone who's got loads of money to enjoy your favorite album. Full stop.”

— Olivia Dean

What’s next

Olivia Dean's first headlining North American arena tour is set to kick off on April 22 in the U.K., with dates throughout July and August in North America.

The takeaway

Olivia Dean's rapid rise to fame and her commitment to authenticity, compassion, and accessibility in her music and career make her an inspiring role model for young artists and fans alike. Her story highlights the power of staying true to one's values and using one's platform to uplift and empower others.