April 3, 2026, 3:34 p.m. ET
Following a monumental Grammy win, Olivia Dean says she took a step back from social media, which included deleting apps from her phone.
The London-born rising star touched on the lifestyle change after the big night in a cover story with ELLE, released on April 2.
“I’ve been thinking about doing it for a while. Even though the love has been overwhelming, even that is not healthy sometimes,” Dean told the outlet. “I don’t think you’re supposed to know everyone’s opinion about you. And I’ve decided I want to live in sweet ignorance.”
A 2025 study by JAMA Network Open found that a weeklong social media detox improved mental health in young adults. In the past, other celebrities, from Billie Eilish to Selena Gomez, have spoken about taking a break from apps.
‘I know who I am,’ Dean says
In the ELLE interview, Dean, 27, spoke about feeling assured within herself as her popularity grows and online chatter becomes louder.
“I find a lot of internet discourse and those things so unproductive. I know who I am, and I know that I’m performing and creating from a pure place,” she explained. “You can’t please everybody. And I have such peace in that.”
She also told ELLE what success means to her amid her blossoming career: “Success to me is venues and how many people you can gather in one space. It’s how many people you can touch.”
Dean, who topped charts with her hit single “Man I Need,” snagged the best new artist trophy at the 2026 Grammy Awards in February. KATSEYE, The Marias, Addison Rae, sombr, Leon Thomas, Alex Warren and Lola Young were also nominated in the category.
“I’m up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant,” she said during her speech. “I’m a product of bravery, and I think those people deserve to be celebrated.”
Dean’s “The Art of Loving Live” tour will kick off in North America on July 10 in San Francisco.
Contributing: Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@usatodayco.com.
