BBC Music Introducing has tapped EMI U.K. artist Olivia Dean as the Artist of the Year following the arrival of her debut album Messy.

The award is in recognition of Dean’s impact this year, which has been furthered by ongoing support from the BBC’s talent development program.

That impact includes Messy reaching #4 on the U.K.’s Official Albums Chart, a Mercury Music Prize nomination and a sold-out European tour in the summer. Dean's tour has continued recently with dates in North America and Canada.

Kelly Betts, Editor at BBC Introducing, called Dean’s journey one of “unwavering dedication and passion.”

“BBC Introducing has been supporting Olivia since 2018 and has witnessed the evolution of a true musical luminary,” Betts said. “This award celebrates a phenomenal artist.”

Dean’s support from Introducing started with her uploading her music to its online portal and receiving airplay and bookings from BBC Introducing London. Later, by BBC Radio 1 picked her 2019 song “Password Change” as Introducing Track of the Week. This year, Dean was the surprise guest on the BBC Introducing Stage at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend.