At the dawn of 2025, Olivia Dean was a name largely unfamiliar to stateside pop fans, having only achieved some success in her U.K. home country with her 2023 debut album, "Messy". Even within the U.K., the singer-songwriter was more recognized as a critical favorite than a proven hitmaker. However, 2025 marked a significant turning point, unfolding as a sustained crescendo that has culminated in her beginning the new year as one of the biggest artists in popular music, capturing audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.

This remarkable 12-month journey, transitioning from a burgeoning cult favorite to a global pop superstar, is thoroughly explored in the 2025 "Rookie of the Year" spotlight episode of the Billboard editorial staff’s "Greatest Pop Stars" podcast. With a key assist from Billboard U.K.’s Sophie Williams, who helps explain to host Andrew Unterberger how Dean was able to elevate her career so rapidly, the podcast delves into her accomplishments. Listeners can also find Thomas Smith’s essay on Olivia’s brilliant rookie season for further insights. The episode marvels at her 2025 achievements and looks forward to what she still might have in store for this album campaign in the year to come.

Throughout the discussion, the podcast addresses several important questions from 2025. It examines how a fill-in gig opening on a rock star’s stadium tour ultimately became Olivia’s real-life "A Star Is Born" moment. The conversation also explores why the BRIT school appears to hold a monopoly on the U.K.'s most pivotal pop exports and whether a particular L.A. pop-rock trio remains resentful about the success of her song "Man I Need." Other topics include finding a better word for her 2025 than "nice," the potential of "Baby Steps" as the secret weapon of "The Art of Loving," and the cultural impact of the fourth Bridget Jones movie in the U.K. Most importantly, the episode contemplates whether Olivia Dean is already positioning herself for an even bigger 2026 than her breakthrough year.

Listeners can check out the episode above, accompanied by a YouTube playlist featuring some of the greatest moments of Dean’s 2025, all of which are discussed on the podcast. The "Greatest Pop Stars" podcast is available for subscription on Apple Music or Spotify, or wherever podcasts are obtained, for complete coverage of this year’s "Greatest Pop Stars of 2025" list.

As consistently expressed in every "Greatest Pop Stars" podcast post, if listeners have the time and money to spare, they are encouraged to consider donating to causes in the fight for trans rights. Recommended organizations include the Transgender Law Center, Trans Lifeline, Destination Tomorrow, and Gender-Affirming Care Fundraising initiatives on GoFundMe. Additionally, individuals are urged to contact their local congresspeople in support of trans rights, with contact information available on 5Calls.org.