Apple Music has launched new playlists and curated content for the 'Best of 2026' year-end wrap-up, available in the 'New' tab alongside updated editions of Rap Life, R&B Now, A-List Pop, and Today's Country. In addition to the playlists, Apple Music has named Olivia Dean its Artist of the Year, recognizing her breakout status as the first UK artist to receive the honor. Dean's late 2025 album, The Art of Loving, propelled her to stardom, with her hit 'Man I Need' charting on Apple Music's Daily Top 100 daily since August 29, 2025.
She has sold out global tours, winning a GRAMMY for Best New Artist and four BRIT Awards, including Artist of the Year. Olivia opened for Sabrina Carpenter at Madison Square Garden in fall 2025 before returning for a four-night residency and a six-night sold-out run at London's O2 Arena. As the award, Apple is gifting Dean a physical trophy featuring a custom Apple silicon wafer suspended between glass and a machined aluminum body.
Previous winners include Tyler, The Creator (2024), Billie Eilish (2023), and Taylor Swift (2022). Apple Music is available for $11.99/month or via the Apple One bundle.
Source: 9to5Mac · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing