Olivia Dean isn't just opening for Sabrina Carpenter—she's stealing the show.

The 25-year-old British neo-soul sensation has been lighting up stages across North America as part of the Short n' Sweet Tour's second leg, blending her smooth, heartfelt vibes with Sabrina's pop-punk energy. From Madison Square Garden to Crypto.com Arena, Olivia's set has fans raving: "She's the reason I'm here early!"

But who is Olivia Dean? And why is her role in Sabrina's tour such a perfect match? Let's dive into her rise, her sound, and how she's carving her own lane in the spotlight—while dropping hints about her own 2026 plans.

Who Is Olivia Dean? The British Neo-Soul It Girl Taking Over

Olivia Dean, born in London to a Jamaican mother and Greek father, grew up splitting time between church choirs and her parents' vinyl collection—think Aretha Franklin meets Amy Winehouse. She burst onto the scene in 2018 with her debut EP Ok Love You Bye, but it was her 2021 single "Be My Own Boyfriend" that went viral, racking up millions of streams and landing her on playlists like Spotify's New Music Friday.

Fast-forward to 2023: Her album Messy earned her a Brit Award nomination and collaborations with legends like Stevie Wonder. Critics call her "the voice of a new generation"—soulful, unapologetic, and ready to tackle love, loss, and self-discovery with lyrics that hit like a gut punch wrapped in velvet.

On Sabrina's tour? She's the warm-up act that feels like the main event—her hour-long sets mix Messy deep cuts with covers of Etta James and new tracks teasing her next album.

Why Olivia Dean + Sabrina Carpenter = Tour Magic

Sabrina's Short n' Sweet is all about that bubbly, bittersweet pop—think "Espresso" hooks and "Please Please Please" pleas. Olivia? She's the soulful counterpoint: raw emotion, guitar-driven ballads, and a voice that wraps you up like a warm hug.

Together, it's a vibe shift that's got fans buzzing:

• Setlist Synergy: Olivia closes with "Sad Song," flowing seamlessly into Sabrina's opener "Taste."

• Fan Overlap: Livies and Olivites? A match made in playlist heaven.

• Live Energy: Olivia's intimate acoustics amp up Sabrina's arena sparkle—think "bad idea right?" with a soul twist.

Olivia told Billboard post-NYC show:

"Sabrina's energy is infectious—it's like singing to your best friend in a stadium."

And Sabrina? She shouted her out on Insta: "Olivia's got that light—come early or miss the magic."

Olivia's Tour Highlights: The Moments Fans Can't Stop Talking About

• Madison Square Garden (Oct 29): Olivia dressed as Daphne from Scooby-Doo—purple mini, orange wig, and all. "Short n' Spooky" vibes met soul, and the crowd lost it.

• Pittsburgh Opener (Oct 23): Debuted a new track, "Luck," amid clover-themed decor—fans swear it's her next single.

• Nashville (Nov 4): Covered Dolly Parton's "Jolene" with a twist—R&B slow-burn that trended on TikTok (#OliviaJolene, 1.2M views).

• Toronto (Nov 10): Brought out a fan for "Be My Own Boyfriend"—pure chaos, pure joy.

Pro Tip: Arrive by 7 PM—Olivia starts at 8, and her sets sell out fast on resale.

Olivia's 2026 Tease: What's Next After Tour?

Olivia's not just opening doors—she's kicking them down. Post-tour, she's eyeing:

• Solo Headliner: UK dates in spring 2026, per NME.

• Album 2: Messy follow-up drops early 2026—expect more "water in water" vibes.

• Collab Rumors: Whispers of a Sabrina remix... or is it Stevie Wonder Pt. 2?

She told The Fader:

"Touring with Sabrina? It's like summer camp for soul singers—endless inspiration."

Steal Olivia's Soulful Stage Glow — Under $80

Olivia's look? Effortless cool—flowy whites, bold lips, guitar-strum confidence.

• White Blouse: Free People Flowy Crop – $48

• Wide-Leg Pants: H&M Linen Trousers – $25

• Red Lip: Maybelline SuperStay Matte – $8

Total Olivia Vibe: $81

Hack: Pair with aviators and a leather jacket—tour-ready in seconds.