Olivia Dean has been announced as the winner of the BBC Introducing Artist of the Year Award for 2023.

The BBC Introducing Artist of the Year award is presented to an artist who has, with the support of BBC Introducing, made a significant impact that year and is on the path to stardom. The award is well known for tipping the next big breakthrough act and has a strong track record of selecting artists that go on to achieve huge success the following year. Previous winners include Celeste, Arlo Parks, Tom Grennan, Jack Garratt, Nia Archives, Declan McKenna, and Self Esteem.

Known for being able to move effortlessly between Indie, Motown, Neo-soul, and Alternative Pop – Olivia Dean, 24, transcends genres with her endearing relatability and velvety vocals. The East Londoner and BRIT school alum began uploading her music to the BBC Introducing uploader in 2018 and saw early support from BBC Introducing London.

In 2019, she was chosen as BBC Introducing London’s Featured Artist of the Week and was asked to perform at BBC Introducing’s legendary night at The Lexington in Islington, London. In 2020, Olivia’s track Password Change was picked as the Introducing Track of the Week by BBC Radio 1.

This year Olivia released her debut album Messy. She performed on Later…with Jools Holland, was the surprise guest on the BBC Introducing stage at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend and was nominated for a Mercury Prize. Following a triumphant and sold-out European tour this summer, the powerhouse vocalist ended an unforgettable 2023, with shows across North America and Canada to round out a pivotal year in the young artist’s career.

The announcement that Olivia Dean is 2023’s BBC Introducing Artist of the Year was made on the BBC Introducing on Radio 1 show with Jess Iszatt last night (26 November).

Olivia Dean says: “Thank you so much for all the support over the years BBC Introducing! You are such an important and valuable platform for up and coming musicians. From my very first gig at the Lexington until now - poof crazy! So excited to be your artist of the year!!"

Kelly Betts, Editor, BBC Introducing: “It is with immense pride and joy that we name Olivia Dean as our ‘Artist of the Year’. This accolade is a celebration of not just a year of remarkable achievements but a journey of unwavering dedication and passion. BBC Introducing has been supporting Olivia since 2018 and has witnessed the evolution of a true musical luminary. This award celebrates a phenomenal artist but also symbolises our commitment to fostering, nurturing and championing the next generation of musical trailblazers. Congratulations to Olivia Dean, an artist destined for greatness”.