Olivia Dean Makes Chart History As The Kid LAROI Rises

It’s been a whirlwind start to 2026 for the music world, and nowhere is that more apparent than on the Australian charts and the international awards circuit. At the heart of this story are two artists whose names have become synonymous with chart-topping success and critical acclaim: Olivia Dean and The Kid LAROI. Their recent achievements—spanning ARIA chart milestones, breakout performances, and major award nominations—have cemented their places as defining voices of the current pop era.

On January 16, 2026, Sydney-born sensation The Kid LAROI made a triumphant return to the Australian Albums chart. His second album, Before I Forget, debuted at No. 1 on the Australian Albums chart and No. 2 on the ARIA Albums list, just behind Olivia Dean’s The Art of Loving (according to ARIA statistics and reporting from Filmogaz). This marks another high point in LAROI’s already glittering career—he previously reached No. 1 in 2021 with his debut EP F*ck Love, becoming the youngest Australian solo artist to achieve the feat at just 17 years old. His follow-up, The First Time, had reached No. 3 in 2023, showing a consistent upward trajectory.

But if The Kid LAROI’s comeback is impressive, Olivia Dean’s current reign on the ARIA charts is nothing short of historic. As of January 17, 2026, Dean’s album The Art of Loving had maintained the No. 1 spot for a seventh non-consecutive week. This achievement is particularly notable—it’s the longest run at the top by an English female artist since Adele’s 30, which also spent seven weeks atop the charts between 2021 and 2022. Dean’s dominance doesn’t stop at albums; her single “Man I Need” has held the No. 1 position on the ARIA Singles Chart for an incredible nine weeks, a feat not seen since Miley Cyrus’s “Flowers” ruled for 12 weeks in early 2023. As Filmogaz notes, “Dean’s album achieves a significant milestone as the longest reigning title by an English female artist since Adele’s ‘30.’”

This dual triumph—Dean at the top, LAROI right behind—has set the tone for a fiercely competitive and vibrant music scene in Australia. The ARIA charts for this week also saw US country star Zach Bryan’s With Heaven On Top debut at No. 4, while Melbourne singer-songwriter Steph Strings made a notable entrance at No. 17 with her debut album Feel Alive. On the singles side, Olivia Dean’s “Man I Need” continued to dominate, followed by Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia” and Djo’s “End Of Beginning.”

The Kid LAROI’s return to Australia for an exclusive Spotify showcase performance in November 2025—just ahead of the annual ARIA Week—underscored his enduring appeal in his homeland. This event, as reported by Filmogaz, was a precursor to the latest chart successes, highlighting the artist’s ability to bridge international stardom with local roots.

Meanwhile, Olivia Dean’s rise has not been confined to Australia. At the start of 2025, Dean was still a relatively unknown name to many pop fans outside the UK. Her 2023 debut album Messy had made waves in her home country, but it was 2025 that proved to be her breakout year. According to a Billboard podcast episode published on January 16, 2026, Dean’s journey over the past 12 months has been nothing short of a “crescendo,” propelling her from cult favorite to global pop superstar. The podcast, which spotlights her as the 2025 Rookie of the Year, delves into her career-defining moments and speculates about an even bigger 2026 ahead. “We marvel at her 2025 accomplishments, and look forward to what she still might have left on this album campaign in her year to come,” the podcast hosts noted.

Dean’s success story is peppered with pivotal moments—a fill-in gig opening on a rock star’s stadium tour, a steady stream of hit singles, and a knack for turning critical acclaim into mainstream popularity. Her ability to connect with audiences, both in the UK and abroad, has drawn comparisons to the likes of Adele and other BRIT school alumni who have shaped the face of modern pop.

This global recognition is set to be further amplified at the 2026 MOBO Awards. On January 16, 2026, the full list of nominees was revealed, and both Olivia Dean and Little Simz emerged as frontrunners, leading nominations in high-profile categories such as Album of the Year and Best Female Act. The MOBO Awards, which celebrate music of Black origin, will take place on March 26, 2026, at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena—a first for the city and a fitting way to mark the awards’ 30th anniversary. The nominee list also features Central Cee, FLO, PinkPantheress, and Skepta, underscoring the diverse and dynamic nature of the UK’s music scene. As noted in the official MOBO announcement, “The nominations underline the continued influence of Black music across both mainstream and underground scenes.”

Dean’s presence across these major award categories is a testament to her impact in 2025 and the anticipation surrounding her next moves. The MOBO nods reflect not just her chart success, but also her role as a cultural force—someone whose music resonates with listeners and critics alike. This is especially significant in a year when UK-based artists have played such a strong role in shaping the broader music landscape.

Of course, the ARIA charts remain a critical barometer of what’s resonating with Australian audiences. This week’s results showcase not just the dominance of Dean and LAROI, but also the emergence of new voices. Steph Strings’ debut, for instance, signals a fresh wave of homegrown talent, while the continued popularity of international acts like Taylor Swift and Djo highlights the increasingly global nature of music consumption in Australia.

There’s also a sense of history in the making. Dean’s achievements are already being compared to those of Adele, while LAROI’s youthful ascent recalls the breakthroughs of past Australian icons. As the music industry looks ahead to the MOBO Awards and the rest of 2026, all eyes are on these artists to see how they’ll continue to shape the charts and inspire fans worldwide.

For now, Olivia Dean’s reign atop the ARIA charts—and her growing list of accolades—serves as a reminder of the power of a great album, a catchy single, and the right moment. As new artists rise and established stars push boundaries, the only certainty is that the music world will be watching, listening, and cheering them on every step of the way.