Busking to BRITs: Olivia Dean's Grit

Olivia Dean, a prominent figure at the upcoming BRIT Awards with five nominations, began her performing career busking near Wood Green Tube station. Despite the area's challenges, the determined teenager honed her skills, showcasing a resilience inherited from her industrious parents. Her father, a former postman, and her mother, a successful barrister and former political candidate, instilled a strong work ethic in her.

Dean's educational path included the BRIT School, a formative experience she credits for her development. After initially focusing on musical theatre, she shifted to songwriting at 17, inspired by a live performance. Her career gained momentum after self-releasing her debut single and signing with Virgin EMI Records.

Her albums have achieved significant success, including a Mercury Prize nomination for 'Messy' and her second album, 'The Art Of Loving,' which produced her first UK No 1 hit, 'Man I Need.' This achievement made her the first solo female artist to have four singles simultaneously in the UK Top 10.

Further solidifying her international acclaim, Dean recently won a Grammy for best new artist. This award has positioned her as a sought-after artist in Los Angeles, with producers eager to collaborate. Despite her growing global profile, she remains grounded, with plans for a US tour and a move to Los Angeles in August, supported by her boyfriend, Eddie Burns.