Leon Thomas: Former Child Actor Receives Six Grammy Nominations for ‘MUTT’
The journey from child actor to successful adult entertainer is often fraught with challenges—a reality acknowledged by former child star Corey Feldman. "It’s not easy making that jump," he noted. "You have to have thick skin and be tough as nails." While some, like Ron Howard, navigate this transition successfully, others face hardship.
Leon Thomas III is an example of a young talent thriving in the music industry. Cast as Andre Harris in Nickelodeon’s hit sitcom "Victorious" at just 17, he portrayed a high school student passionate about music. Now, at 32, Thomas is making significant strides as a recording artist and producer.
Thomas has garnered six Grammy nominations for his album "MUTT," including Album of the Year and Best New Artist. He is also nominated for Best R&B Album, Best R&B Song for "Yes It Is," Best R&B Performance for "MUTT" (Live from NPR’s Tiny Desk), and Best Traditional R&B Performance for "Vibes Don’t Lie." His nominations position him for an exciting evening at the Grammy Awards on February 1, held at the Crypto.com Arena.
His musical journey began while starring in "Victorious," where he collaborated with the production duo the Rascals. He has co-produced tracks for prominent artists such as Ariana Grande, Drake, SZA, and Toni Braxton. Thomas’s debut album, "Electric Dust," released in 2023, features the catchy single "Breaking Point" and strikes a unique blend of R&B with elements of rock, jazz, and hip-hop.
"It was a vulnerable time for me making that album," Thomas reflected. "I captured that time of my life." Notably, his recent performance at Philadelphia’s Fillmore showcased his growth as an artist, setting the stage for his latest album "MIUTT," which is expected to drop in 2024. This new project delves into themes of relationships, and true to its name, "MUTT" offers a diverse range of sounds, combining R&B with rock, soul, and jazz influences.
Thomas has also co-written songs for projects such as Drake’s "Certified Lover Boy," Ariana Grande’s "Positions," and SZA’s "SOS." He emphasized the significance of these experiences, stating, "You take all that you learn from working on projects and apply that experience to what you’re focusing on with the next project."
The production quality of "MUTT" complements Thomas’s dynamic vocal range, with lyrics addressing connection, control, and compassion, showcasing his talent as a songwriter. His artistic lineage is noteworthy; he is the grandson of John D. Anthony, a jazz musician and opera singer who performed on Broadway.
While Thomas’s career ascends, he continues to engage in collaborative efforts, including a recent single, "Deeper," co-written and recorded with electronic duo Disclosure, released on December 4. The infectious track offers a captivating vocal performance from Thomas, emphasizing themes of desire and obsession.
As Thomas’s star rises, he remains committed to his craft. "I just work as hard as I can," he affirmed, looking ahead to future opportunities in 2026.
Leon Thomas III at The Wiltern
WHEN: 7 p.m., Monday, December 22 and Tuesday, December 23
WHERE: The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles
COST: $86
INFO: 213-388-1400
