Manchester’s historic Albert Hall pulsed with energy as Olivia Dean delivered a glowing, soul-infused performance just days before the Brit Awards 2026.

Greeted by deafening chants of “Dean-o!”, the British singer-songwriter appeared both humbled and amused by the crowd’s football-style devotion.

The intimate charity concert showcased tracks from her acclaimed second album, The Art Of Loving, a record that blends modern pop with classic soul influences reminiscent of Sade, Amy Winehouse and Lauryn Hill.

Dean’s rich vocals, paired with a fully live band — no backing tracks or programmed beats — created a warm, authentic sound that filled the restored Victorian chapel.

Fans sang along word-for-word to favourites like “Nice To Each Other” and “Dive,” amplifying the emotional resonance of her introspective lyrics.

An acoustic rendition of “UFO” stripped back production layers, revealing the vulnerability at the song’s core.

The performance marked Dean’s first UK appearance after touring the US with Sabrina Carpenter.

With five Brit Award nominations, including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year, she stands among the ceremony’s biggest contenders.

Beyond the music, the evening supported War Child, raising £175,000 in ticket sales alone to help children affected by global conflict.

The Brit Awards 2026, hosted for the final time by Jack Whitehall, will be staged in Manchester for the first time in its 49-year history.

With a UK arena tour launching at Glasgow’s OVO Arena in April, Olivia Dean’s meteoric rise shows no signs of slowing.

If this Manchester show proved anything, it’s that Britain’s newest global pop force is ready for her biggest spotlight yet.