Olivia Dean's radiant performance at Manchester's Albert Hall, just two days before the Brits, was a small but powerful show. The crowd, chanting 'Dean-o! Dean-o! Dean-o!', cheered her on, despite her initial embarrassment. Dean's second album, 'The Art Of Loving', is a musical breakout, blending soul vocals and modern pop with influences from Sade, Amy Winehouse, and Lauryn Hill. Her lyrics, sharp and evocative, paint relatable love stories. The audience, knowing every word, sang along to songs like 'I don't need a boyfriend' from 'Nice To Each Other'. Even her debut album's tracks were welcomed, like an acoustic 'UFO' without its original processing. Dean's live band, playing without samples or backing tracks, complemented her dusky voice perfectly. The show was part of a series supporting the charity Warchild, raising £175,000 from ticket sales alone. Manchester's Aviva Warehouse hosted Robbie Williams, while the Brits Fringe event featured industry masterclasses and emerging artists. Olivia Dean, Harry Styles, Raye, Sombr, and Wolf Alice will perform at the main ceremony, hosted by Jack Whitehall for the final time.
