John Rankin Waddell
John Rankin Waddell
She’s the Lady, She’s the Man”: Olivia Dean Wins Best New Artist at the Grammys
She’s the Lady, She’s the Man”: Olivia Dean Wins Best New Artist at the Grammys
On Feb. 1, 2026, Olivia Dean won best new artist at the Grammy Awards. Despite this category being notoriously recognized as awarded to subsequent “one-hit wonders,” Dean stands out as an artist who is here to make a lasting impact within the music industry.
As a British R&B artist, with intentional soul and Motown influences, Dean is a refreshing presence within the music space. She seamlessly blends old and new sounds in catchy and heartwarming songs such as “Man I Need,” “A Couple Minutes,” and “So Easy (To Fall In Love).”
The attention she has garnered on social media is undeniable. She has more than 1.6 million followers on TikTok, and her hit song “Man I Need” has amassed 28.7 million views on the platform.
The year 2026 marks a new chapter in her career. With all eyes on her on a national stage, Dean used the moment to shed light on a pressing issue within the United States. Across the country, disputes over immigration policies and ICE enforcement practices are growing increasingly contentious. Cities like Minneapolis, Minnesota, are feeling the brunt of these actions, as enforcement operations significantly affect local immigrant communities.
“I want to say I’m up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant. I wouldn't be here—I’m a product of bravery and believe those people deserve to be celebrated,” Dean said while humbly accepting her award.
As tensions continue to rise among the growing debate over immigration policies within the United States, Dean took a moment to share her platform with immigrants, whose character and livelihoods are actively under attack.
Dean is not just the product of an immigrant family, but a reflection of its bravery, hard work and dedication. The empathy and humility she displayed on that stage is evident in her craft.
Award ceremonies like the Grammys should serve as opportunities to uplift and honor talented artists, however discourse on social media has unfortunately attempted to overshadow Dean’s success.
Among the artists nominated for best new artist was the band The Marías, whose loss left many fans dismayed. TikTok creator @vxbesoflana uploaded a video emphasizing her disappointment. It received 6.9 million views and 1.4 million likes.
The creator begins the video with a clip of artist Chappell Roan stating “the Grammy goes to Olivia Dean” and immediately cuts to clips of band members of The Marías to the song “The Other Woman” by Lana Del Rey playing in the background.
Fans of The Marías have expressed that the band was more deserving because they are talented and have been making music for a decade. In an attempt to support The Marías, fans have instead bitterly torn Dean down, diminishing her much deserved and long-awaited accolade.
The history of Black creatives being exploited and unrecognized within the entertainment industry is extensive. Olivia Dean being awarded for Best New Artist reflects a shift in a positive direction towards underrepresented groups being honored and respected for their work.
The way Olivia Dean used her platform should serve as an example for everyone who watched and participated in the Grammys. Now more than ever, amid a heightened political climate, society should come together and work to build one another up.
On Feb. 1, 2026, Olivia Dean won best new artist at the Grammy Awards. Despite this category being notoriously recognized as awarded to subsequent “one-hit wonders,” Dean stands out as an artist who is here to make a lasting impact within the music industry.
As a British R&B artist, with intentional soul and Motown influences, Dean is a refreshing presence within the music space. She seamlessly blends old and new sounds in catchy and heartwarming songs such as “Man I Need,” “A Couple Minutes,” and “So Easy (To Fall In Love).”
The attention she has garnered on social media is undeniable. She has more than 1.6 million followers on TikTok, and her hit song “Man I Need” has amassed 28.7 million views on the platform.
The year 2026 marks a new chapter in her career. With all eyes on her on a national stage, Dean used the moment to shed light on a pressing issue within the United States. Across the country, disputes over immigration policies and ICE enforcement practices are growing increasingly contentious. Cities like Minneapolis, Minnesota, are feeling the brunt of these actions, as enforcement operations significantly affect local immigrant communities.
“I want to say I’m up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant. I wouldn't be here—I’m a product of bravery and believe those people deserve to be celebrated,” Dean said while humbly accepting her award.
As tensions continue to rise among the growing debate over immigration policies within the United States, Dean took a moment to share her platform with immigrants, whose character and livelihoods are actively under attack.
Dean is not just the product of an immigrant family, but a reflection of its bravery, hard work and dedication. The empathy and humility she displayed on that stage is evident in her craft.
Award ceremonies like the Grammys should serve as opportunities to uplift and honor talented artists, however discourse on social media has unfortunately attempted to overshadow Dean’s success.
Among the artists nominated for best new artist was the band The Marías, whose loss left many fans dismayed. TikTok creator @vxbesoflana uploaded a video emphasizing her disappointment. It received 6.9 million views and 1.4 million likes.
The creator begins the video with a clip of artist Chappell Roan stating “the Grammy goes to Olivia Dean” and immediately cuts to clips of band members of The Marías to the song “The Other Woman” by Lana Del Rey playing in the background.
Fans of The Marías have expressed that the band was more deserving because they are talented and have been making music for a decade. In an attempt to support The Marías, fans have instead bitterly torn Dean down, diminishing her much deserved and long-awaited accolade.
The history of Black creatives being exploited and unrecognized within the entertainment industry is extensive. Olivia Dean being awarded for Best New Artist reflects a shift in a positive direction towards underrepresented groups being honored and respected for their work.
The way Olivia Dean used her platform should serve as an example for everyone who watched and participated in the Grammys. Now more than ever, amid a heightened political climate, society should come together and work to build one another up.