London’s soul-pop superstar turned The O2 into a love letter for the ages on Thursday night!
East London’s own Olivia Dean has become one of the most in-demand artists in the world, a testament to the remarkable momentum behind her rise. Already this year, she has swept the BRIT Awards and claimed the Grammy for Best New Artist, while selling out six nights in her hometown feels less like a milestone and more like the beginning of something even bigger.
Just three years ago, Dean was headlining club shows and comfortably filling smaller venues, buoyed by the success of her acclaimed debut album, Messy, released in 2023. Since the arrival of her sophomore record, The Art of Loving, in September last year, and her chart-topping collaboration with Sam Fender on Rein Me In, her profile has soared to new heights, and there are no signs that her ascent is slowing down.
Having seen Dean open for both Sam Fender and Sabrina Carpenter last year, her ability to command a large audience never felt in doubt. Effortlessly at ease on the arena stage, she introduced thousands to The Art of Loving, a record centred on togetherness and finding softness in an increasingly difficult world. The show opened with Dean silhouetted behind a curtain as she performed the album’s dreamy introduction track, carrying a distinctly Bond-esque sense of elegance and intrigue. From there, she led the crowd through a run of uplifting, love-soaked tracks including Nice to Each Other, Lady Lady, and So Easy (To Fall In Love).
The audience was captivated by her warm charisma and conversational, best-mate banter between songs, qualities that made the vast arena feel surprisingly intimate. Soulful highlights such as Close Up and the deeply emotive Let Alone The One You Love had fans singing back every word, each lyric landing with palpable weight and underscoring just how deeply her music connects with listeners. Meanwhile, Messy, the title track from her 2023 debut album, provided a moment of reflection and celebration, especially for long-time fans, who joined in effortlessly and transformed the song into one of the evening’s most communal moments.
“I can’t go on a date right now, I’m at work!” Dean joked to a fan in the front row as she introduced another sleek, love-filled track. Moments like these highlighted her natural, playful charm, turning casual interactions into memorable parts of the show. A stripped-back acoustic section alongside guitarists Finn and Jordan brought the pace down but was met with adoration from the crowd. UFO, Touching Toes, and the beloved I’ve Seen It saw phone torches illuminate the room, creating a sea of lights as the sense of togetherness peaked. It was a beautiful moment.
Before performing Carmen, a heartfelt tribute to her late grandmother, Dean took time to acknowledge her friends and family in attendance, adding an extra layer of emotion and pride to the evening. The lively Echo and Time followed and were both elevated by stunning brass arrangements and an extended saxophone solo that left the crowd transfixed. Her ability to seamlessly blend relaxed soul with bursts of energetic funk throughout the set was impressive. She remained in complete control from start to finish, pouring genuine emotion into every lyric while delivering a vocal performance that was nothing short of stunning.
Before performing Loud, Dean re-emerged in a feathered, sequinned skirt and waltzed through the crowd to a central podium in the standing section. Fans flocked towards the second stage and continued to sing along. A Couple Minutes proved to be another defining moment of the night; Performing with heartfelt sincerity, she was surrounded by fans whose voices often overpowered her own, creating a strong display of the connection she has built with her audience. The Hardest Part brought her time at the back of the arena to a close, and as she danced her way back through the crowd, those lining the pathway showed their appreciation, many visibly stunned by their close encounter with the soul star.
Back on the main stage and shimmering in a gold dress, Dean transformed the arena into a full-blown party with a run of high-energy tracks that had London on its feet. “I hope you’re ready to move, London!” she added, before warm lighting and glitterballs reflected across the adoring crowd during Baby Steps, Ladies Room, and a confident rendition of Move On Up, which also served as an opportunity to introduce her band. If there was ever a stage Dean seemed destined for, it was one like this: standing in front of thousands, effortlessly commanding every corner. The audience remained completely absorbed, and perhaps most striking was the lack of phones held aloft. Despite the popularity of her music on social media, fans appeared far more interested in living the moment than capturing it, a testament to the connection Dean fostered throughout the evening.
“Has anyone seen the Bridget Jones Movie?” Dean asked with a smile before It Isn’t Perfect But It Might Be burst into life, prompting another mass singalong from the crowd. Paired with Dive and the triumphant Man I Need, the closing trio provided the clearest statement yet of her remarkable rise to the top of British music. As confetti rained down across the arena during the final moments of the show, Dean appeared momentarily overwhelmed, taking in the scale of the occasion with a mixture of disbelief and joy. It was a fitting conclusion to a night that showcased not only her vocal talent and stage presence, but also the deep connection she has forged with her audience. Those in attendance left love-soaked, with the sense that they had witnessed a truly special artist.
Dean radiated both defiance and pure joy throughout her show, and it’s almost impossible not to be swept along as she delivered a masterclass in authentic romance. Few artists can make an arena feel so intimate, yet Dean achieves it with remarkable ease. On the evidence of this performance, there appears to be no ceiling to her potential; bigger stages, larger crowds, and even greater success seem not just possible, but inevitable.
