The Pen Behind the Hits: Leon Thomas.

Written by Brandon Pulmano

Founder | Sideline Society Media

Leon Thomas was the kid with the guitar in the corner of a Nickelodeon soundstage. On the show Victorious, the 2010 hit about teenagers at a performing arts high school, he played Andre Harris. He was Tori Vega’s best friend, the music genius, the one who always had a melody ready. It’s crazy to think alongside him was a young Ariana Grande being introduced to the world. Fast forward today Ariana is one of the most iconic pop and R&B superstars of her generation. Leon Thomas in his own right has become very successful. During his time in Victorious he co wrote bangers like “Song 2 U” and “Tell me that you love Me”.

When Victorious ended in 2013, Thomas made a choice that looked like stepping back. As half of the production duo The Rascals, he became one of the most trusted writers and producers in the room. Leon Thomas quietly was shaping records for Ariana Grande, Babyface, Drake, and Toni Braxton. He co-wrote four songs on Grande's debut, Yours Truly. He went on to win his first Grammy for his work on SZA's "Snooze." He was building a Hall of Fame resume almost nobody really knew about.

Then he stopped hiding behind the pen. His sophomore album, Mutt, was the moment took center stage. Threading jazz, neo-soul, and rock into modern R&B. The title track caught fire online, went platinum, and became his first top-ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The industry that had used his pen for a decade finally learned his name. Initially hearing Mutt I loved the melody, then when I looked into the artist I was shocked to find out it was Leon Thomas from Victorious.

At the 2026 Grammy Awards, Thomas was the most-nominated R&B artist in the field with six nominations. On February 1, he won two, including Best R&B Album for Mutt. "This is such a moment because this is a miracle of endurance," he said at the podium. That just goes to show you life is a marathon not a race. A twenty-year climb from broadway child actor to invisible hitmaker to the front of the stage, and Leon did it on his own terms. Two kids came off that Victorious set and grew into forces the culture now moves around. Ariana Grande did it in the spotlight. Leon Thomas did it in the dark, then turned the lights on himself.

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