OLIVIA DEAN BRINGS SUNSHINE TO THE TODAY SHOW
BY LIAM GILLINIn the early morning hours of October 3, rising British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean took the stage at the Today Show in New York City for the Citi Concert Series. Fresh off the announcement of four sold-out O2 Arena dates for next summer — with two more just added due to overwhelming demand — Dean brought her radiant blend of neo-soul and pop to an enthusiastic crowd that filled Rockefeller Plaza. In a world still adjusting to constant change, her music offered a moment of lightness and connection. Known for her warm tone and easy charm, she set the tone for a morning that felt both intimate and celebratory.
The setlist featured “Man I Need,” “So Easy (Fall in Love),” and a personal favorite, “Nice to Each Other.” Each song flowed naturally into the next, showcasing Dean’s vocal precision and the effortless chemistry within her band. The performance struck a rare balance between polish and playfulness, keeping the audience engaged from start to finish. As one YouTube commenter noted on her recent video for “So Easy (Fall in Love),” “Between Olivia (Dean), Raye, and Laufey, I love that we’re getting jazz again in the ’20s.”
Dean’s sound draws from early-2000s neo-soul and R&B, weaving in gentle touches of jazz and pop to create something that feels both nostalgic and distinctly current. Her smooth, honeyed vocals move with ease, carrying a quiet optimism that feels genuine rather than polished for effect. It’s music that invites you in rather than demands your attention — the mark of an artist confident in her craft.
Throughout the set, a theme of resilience and growth quietly came through. Dean’s steady rise — from early festival slots to national TV appearances — reflects an artist growing entirely on her own terms. With performances at Austin City Limits, an upcoming stint opening for Sabrina Carpenter, and a massive O2 Arena run already expanding due to demand, her momentum is undeniable. Signed to Island Records, the same label that has recently catapulted breakout stars like Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan, Dean seems poised for a similar trajectory. If her Today Show set is any indication, 2026 is going to be a massive year for Olivia Dean.
