In the landscape of modern British soul, few voices possess the warmth and grounding of Olivia Dean. Following the critical and commercial triumph of her sophomore album, “The Art of Loving,” released in late 2025, the 26-year-old North Londoner is now poised to embark on her most ambitious journey yet. The “Art of Loving Live” tour, set to span across Europe, North America, and Oceania in 2026, is not merely a series of concerts; it is a global manifestation of a record that celebrates love in its many shades—romantic, platonic, and deeply personal. Having evolved from intimate jazz cafe performances to selling out Madison Square Garden, Dean has become a symbol of technical mastery and emotional authenticity. As she navigates a landmark year marked by her first Grammy nomination for Best New Artist, Olivia Dean is proving that sincerity is the most powerful currency in the music industry today. This tour represents the crowning achievement of a rise that has been as steady as it has been spectacular, inviting audiences into a sanctuary of sound where every note feels like a conversation.
The Sophomore Masterpiece: Understanding ‘The Art of Loving’
When Olivia Dean released her second studio album, The Art of Loving, on September 26, 2025, it was immediately clear that the “creamy-toned” singer had found a new level of depth. Produced alongside longtime collaborator Zach Nahome, the record moves beyond the “messiness” of her debut to explore a more intentional, crafted philosophy of affection. Drawing inspiration from her heritage and a recent transformative trip to Brazil, the album weaves bossa nova rhythms with classic neo-soul and pop sensibilities. Singles like “Nice to Each Other” and “So Easy (To Fall in Love)” have already become anthems for a generation seeking connection in an increasingly digital world.
The album’s title is a nod to the idea that love is not just a passive emotion that happens to a person, but a skill that must be honed and practiced. Dean’s songwriting on this project is both vulnerable and authoritative, touching on the importance of self-worth as a precursor to any external romance. Tracks like “Lady Lady” and “Man I Need” showcase her ability to blend narrative storytelling with infectious, jazz-tinged melodies. By the time the album was certified gold in the UK just weeks after its release, it was evident that Dean’s exploration of the human heart had struck a universal chord, setting the stage for a tour that promised to be as meaningful as the music itself.
From Jazz Cafes to MSG: A Meteoric Rise
Olivia Dean’s ascent to the world’s biggest arenas is a testament to the power of organic growth. A graduate of the prestigious BRIT School—sharing an alma mater with legends like Adele and Amy Winehouse—Dean first caught the public’s attention with her 2018 single “Reason to Stay.” Her early years were spent refining her craft in small venues, most notably captured in her Live at the Jazz Cafe EP, where her easy-going personality and soulful vocal delivery cemented her status as an artist to watch. This grassroots foundation has allowed her to maintain a rare level of intimacy with her audience, even as the venues have grown in scale.
The year 2025 served as a pivotal bridge for her career, as she spent much of the summer opening for Sabrina Carpenter on the “Short n’ Sweet” tour. Performing five sold-out nights at Madison Square Garden as a supporting act gave Dean a taste of the arena life she is now set to lead herself. The transition from a “rising star” to a “headlining titan” was finalized with the announcement of the Art of Loving Live tour, her first all-arena outing. The shift in scale from the clubs of North London to the Chase Center in San Francisco and the O2 Arena in London reflects a performer who is entirely ready for the spotlight, carrying her jazz roots into the grandest architectures of entertainment.
A Voice for the People: The Ticketmaster Stand and Philanthropy
In December 2025, Olivia Dean made headlines for a reason beyond her vocal prowess: her vocal opposition to predatory ticket pricing. Following the rollout of her 2026 North American dates, Dean took to social media to express her “disgust” at the inflated resale prices on platforms like Ticketmaster and Live Nation. Her direct advocacy led to a significant victory for her fans, as Ticketmaster agreed to cap resale prices for the “Art of Loving Live” tour and activate a Face Value Exchange. This move underscored Dean’s commitment to keeping live music accessible, arguing that concerts should be about connection and community rather than a privilege for the wealthy.
Beyond her fight for fair ticketing, Dean has integrated a strong sense of social responsibility into the tour’s framework. For the North American leg, she has partnered with the non-profit organization PLUS1, ensuring that $1 from every ticket sold is donated to support and strengthen communities in Jamaica. This connection to her heritage—her mother is of Jamaican-Guyanese descent—adds a layer of personal significance to her global platform. By using her success to give back and protect her fans, Dean is embodying the “Art of Loving” in a practical, impactful way, proving that her advocacy is as authentic as her lyricism.
The 2026 Itinerary: A Global Love Letter
The Art of Loving Live tour is a massive undertaking, spanning 54 shows across four continents. The journey officially kicks off on April 22, 2026, at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow, before weaving through the United Kingdom with multi-night stands at Manchester’s Co-op Live and London’s O2 Arena. The European leg will see Dean bringing her soulful sound to cultural hubs like Amsterdam, Berlin, Paris, and Milan, where her blend of British soul and bossa nova influences is expected to be particularly well-received. Each stop is designed to be a “unique and memorable experience,” with Dean promising a balance of her new sophisticated material and the beloved hits from her Messy era.
The North American leg, beginning July 10, 2026, in San Francisco, covers fourteen major cities including Los Angeles, Toronto, and Boston, before culminating in a high-stakes return to Madison Square Garden on August 14 and 15. The tour will finally wrap up in October with dates in Melbourne, Sydney, and a final show in Auckland, New Zealand. Fans can expect a production that mirrors the album’s aesthetic—warm lighting, organic textures, and a setlist that flows from upbeat, funky tracks like “Ladies Room” to devastatingly beautiful ballads like “I’ve Seen It.” This itinerary is not just a schedule; it is a meticulously planned global map of Dean’s influence.
Grammy Glory and the Future of British Soul
As Olivia Dean prepares for the road, she is also looking toward the 2026 Grammy Awards, where she is a frontrunner for the Best New Artist category. The nomination came as a shock to the singer, who described it as a “milestone in the back of your mind you never expect to reach.” This recognition from the Recording Academy follows a string of accolades, including Mercury Prize and BRIT Award nominations, signaling that the American music industry has finally caught up to what the UK has known for years. Dean represents a bridge between the classic soul of the 1960s and the genre-fluid sensibilities of the 2020s.
The future of British soul looks bright with Dean at its helm. Unlike many of her contemporaries who rely on digital polish, her artistry is grounded in “classic verse-chorus-bridge” songwriting and a deep respect for live instrumentation. Her refusal to follow predictable pop trends has allowed her to create a “timeless” sound that appeals to fans of all ages. As she takes the Art of Loving to the world in 2026, Olivia Dean is not just performing songs; she is building a legacy of grace, resilience, and genuine connection. Whether she wins the Grammy or not, her impact on the cultural landscape of the 2020s is already undeniable—she is the voice we need for an era that is finally learning how to love again.
