British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean has emerged as the frontrunner to perform the theme song for the upcoming James Bond film, according to bookmaker William Hill. Her meteoric rise over the past year, combined with critical and commercial success, has positioned her at the forefront of modern Bond theme contenders, joining the ranks of previous iconic performers such as Adele, Sam Smith, and Billie Eilish.
Dean garnered widespread acclaim with the release of her second studio album, The Art of Loving, in 2025. Her achievements reached a pinnacle at the Brit Awards on 28 February, where she secured four major honours: Best Album, Best Song (for Rain Me In, in collaboration with Sam Fender), Best Artist, and Best Pop Artist. This extraordinary recognition has elevated her status, making her the leading candidate for the next 007 theme, with bookmakers listing her as evens.
Leading Bond Theme Contenders and Betting Odds
| Artist | Estimated Odds |
|---|---|
| Olivia Dean | Evens |
| Raye | 7/2 |
| Lana Del Rey | 4/1 |
| Dua Lipa | 7/1 |
| Harry Styles | 10/1 |
| Oasis (Reunion) | 12/1 |
| Chappell Roan | 16/1 |
| Charli XCX | 16/1 |
Among the other contenders, the recently reunited Oasis ranks third at 12/1. Charli XCX and Chappell Roan share equal odds of 16/1. Artist reactions range from enthusiasm to measured caution: Charli XCX remarked that she may not feel “tailor-made” for a Bond theme but would be keen to take on the challenge if given the opportunity. Meanwhile, Youngblood has expressed interest in collaborating with Oasis, prompting a humorous reaction from Liam Gallagher on social media.
The next Bond film is currently in production, directed by Denis Villeneuve and scripted by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight. It will mark Amazon Studios’ first foray into the 007 franchise. The lead actor for James Bond has not yet been confirmed, though potential candidates include Tom Blyth (Westman) and Callum Turner (Eternity), both of whom have refrained from making definitive statements.
In addition to her album success, Dean has been named an ambassador for Record Store Day 2026, advocating for independent music retailers. She emphasised: “It is vital that we support them and ensure they continue to thrive.”
With Olivia Dean’s unprecedented achievements and growing global recognition, both bookmakers and fans are watching closely, eagerly anticipating whether she will define the next chapter in the musical legacy of James Bond.