Olivia Dean explains why 'Man I Need' WASN'T going to be released as a single
She opened up in an exclusive chat with Marvin Humes
Last updated 6 hours ago
2026 has been quite the year for 'Man I Need' singer Olivia Dean. Not only did she have a Number 1 single in the UK with the song, she also won a massive four BRIT Awards - British Artist of the Year, Best Pop Act, British Album of the Year for 'The Art of Loving' and Song of the Year for 'Rein Me In' with Sam Fender.
During an exclusive chat with Marvin Humes on Hits Radio, Olivia opened up about her huge song 'Man I Need', revealing it wasn't supposed to be a single! Despite Olivia liking the song when she was rehearsing it, she told him she "wasn't sure about it".
"'Man I Need' wasn't supposed to be a single," she explained. "I wasn't sure about it, I thought it was a little bit different and then we started playing it in rehearsals, and some of my band were like, 'this one's good you know'. And 'I was like, 'Yeah'."
She went on to say that she didn't go out of the studio thinking it was a hit, but she knew she liked it. "I didn't know if it was representative of the whole album and the story," she explained.
"But I'm glad I followed through with that one. There was definitely loads of songs that didn't make the album, but I might still do something with them. I don't know."
The singer also opened up about the song being "a good representation of my personality."
Watch the full interview with Olivia Dean:
Is there a music video?
Yes there is a music video, it's had more than 73 million views on YouTube since it was released on 15th August 2025, when the song was also released.
Speaking about her music videos and how Motown legend Diana Ross influences them, Olivia told Marvin Humes on Hits Radio: "I think that she (Diana Ross) is someone that I've always looked to for style inspiration.
"And I think as a performer, she just brought so much joy and was just so carefree and feminine and powerful and I think that's how I'm trying to be."
When was the song released?
It was released on 15th August 2025
Who wrote the song?
Olivia wrote the song along with Tobias Jesso Jr. (who has worked with Harry Styles and Adele) and Zach Nahome - who also produced the song.
What album does it feature on?
'Man I Need' features on Olivia's 'The Art of Loving' album which was released on 26th September 2025.
How to listen to the interview in full
You can listen to the interview on Rayo.
How to listen to Marvin Humes on Hits Radio
You can listen Marvin every weekday between 1pm and 4pm on Hits Radio. You can listen to him across the UK on FM, DAB, online, downloading the free Rayo app and through your Smart Speaker.
Take a look through BRIT Award 2026 winners:
MASTERCARD ALBUM OF THE YEAR
WINNER: Olivia Dean: 'The Art of Loving'
Dave: 'The Boy Who Played the Harp'
Lily Allen: 'West End Girl'
Sam Fender: 'People Watching'
Wolf Alice: 'The Clearing'
POP ACT
WINNER: Olivia Dean
JADE
Lily Allen
Lola Young
RAYE
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
WINNER: Olivia Dean
Dave
Fred again..
JADE
Lily Allen
Lola Young
PinkPantheress
Sam Fender
Self Esteem
SONG OF THE YEAR WITH MASTERCARD
WINNER: Sam Fender (with Olivia Dean): 'Rein Me In'
Calvin Harris and Clementine Douglas: 'Blessings'
CHRYSTAL, NOTION The Days - 'NOTION Remix CHAOS'
Cynthia Erivo (feat. Ariana Grande): 'Defying Gravity'
Ed Sheeran: 'Azizam'
Fred again.. and Skepta: 'PlaqueBoyMax Victory Lap'
Lewis Capaldi: 'Survive'
Lola Young: 'Messy'
Myles Smith: 'Nice To Meet You'
Olivia Dean: 'Man I Need'
RAYE: 'WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!'
Skye Newman: 'Family Matters'
ALTERNATIVE/ROCK ACT
WINNER: Sam Fender
Blood Orange
Lola Young
Wet Leg
Wolf Alice
INTERNATIONAL SONG OF THE YEAR
WINNER: ROSÉ & Bruno Mars: 'APT'
Alex Warren: 'Ordinary'
Chappell Roan: 'Pink Pony Club'
Disco Lines & Tinashe: 'No Broke Boys'
Gigi Perez: 'Sailor Song'
Gracie Abrams: 'That's So True'
HUNTR/X - EJAE/ Audrey Nuna/ REI AMI: 'Golden'
Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars: 'Die With A Smile'
Ravyn Lenae: 'Love Me Not'
Sabrina Carpenter: 'Manchild'
Sombr: 'undressed'
Taylor Swift: 'The Fate of Ophelia'
BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST
WINNER: Lola Young
Barry Can't Swim
EsDeeKid
Jim
Skye Newman
INTERNATIONAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR
WINNER: ROSALÍA
Bad Bunny
Chappell Roan
CMAT
Doechii
Lady Gaga
Sabrina Carpenter
Sombr
Taylor Swift
Tyler, The Creator
R&B ACT
WINNER: SAULT
Jim Legxacy
kwn
Mabel
Sasha Keable
DANCE ACT
WINNER: Fred again../Skepta/ PlaqueBoyMax
Calvin Harris and Clementine Douglas
FKA twigs
PinkPantheress
Sammy Virji
HIP HOP, GRIME, RAP ACT
WINNER: Dave
Central Cee
Jim Legxacy
Little Simz
Loyle Carner
INTERNATIONAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
WINNER: Geese
HAIM
HUNTR/X - EJAE/ Audrey Nuna/ REI AMI
Tame Impala
Turnstile
GROUP OF THE YEAR - Promoted by Absolute Radio
WINNER: Wolf Alice
The Last Dinner Party
Pulp
Sleep Token
Wet Leg
Lifetime Achievement - Ozzy Osbourne
Producer of the Year Award - PinkPantheress
Outstanding Contribution to Music - Mark Ronson
Songwriter of the Year - Noel Gallagher
Critics' Choice Award - Jacob Alon
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