Thu Dec 18 01:50:00 UTC 2025: Summary:
Olivia Dean, nominated for Best New Artist at the 2026 Grammys, spoke at a recent Soho Sessions concert about her November criticism of Ticketmaster’s resale policy. Driven by a fan’s inability to afford a ticket, Dean publicly called out the company for excessive resale prices. Ticketmaster responded by capping resale prices for Dean’s “The Art of Loving Live” tour and refunding fans for markups, amounting to around $2 million. Dean expressed her belief that live music should be affordable and accessible. The Soho Sessions, which benefited the Grammy Museum’s education initiatives, have become a notable event in NYC nightlife, featuring prominent artists and raising millions for charity. Dean’s “The Art of Loving Tour” begins April 22, 2026, in Glasgow.
News Article:
Olivia Dean Takes on Ticketmaster, Champions Affordable Live Music
New York, NY – Rising pop star Olivia Dean, nominated for Best New Artist at the upcoming 2026 Grammys, is making waves both on and off the stage. The “Man I Need” singer recently revealed the inspiration behind her public takedown of ticketing giant Ticketmaster, citing a heartfelt message from a single mother who couldn’t afford a ticket to her show.
“I saw a video of a single mother saying she connected with my album but couldn’t afford a ticket,” Dean shared at a Soho Sessions concert and Grammy Museum event held in New York City on December 15th. “She could afford the gas money and the babysitter, but just asked for a ticket. I realized she was the person who should be coming to the show.”
Dean’s frustration led her to post a scathing critique of Ticketmaster’s resale policies on Instagram, accusing the company of providing a “disgusting service” and allowing “vile” resale prices. Her post triggered swift action. Ticketmaster agreed to cap all future resale prices for Dean’s “The Art of Loving Live” tour and refund fans the amount of any markup they had already paid – an estimated $2 million.
“I think that live music should be affordable,” Dean stated emphatically at the Soho Sessions event. “I don’t think it should be something that you can only enjoy if you have a lot of money.”
The Soho Sessions, a private concert series produced by Greg Williamson and Nicole Rechter, has become a sought-after experience in New York City, having hosted acts like Paul Simon and Keith Richards. The December 15th event, which featured Dean’s performance, benefited the Grammy Museum’s education initiatives.
While Dean is thrilled with the Grammy nomination, her focus remains on connecting with fans. “I think it’s really beautiful and such a way to be recognized, but I’m not super fueled by awards in that sense”.
Dean’s “The Art of Loving Tour” kicks off on April 22, 2026, in Glasgow, promising fans an accessible and memorable live music experience. The 2026 Grammys will air on February 1st on CBS.
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