Leon Thomas’s big moment: six Grammy noms and a live Grammy performance

Leon Thomas, the Brooklyn-born producer, songwriter and vocalist, arrives at the 68th annual Grammy Awards with six nominations and a scheduled live performance on Feb. 1 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. That surge of recognition—second only to Kendrick Lamar this year—makes Thomas one of the breakout names of the ceremony.

Who is Leon Thomas?

Thomas, 32, wears multiple hats in music. He’s one half of the production duo The Rascals (with Khristopher Riddick-Tynes), a Grammy-winning songwriter and an arranger who has built credits across R&B and pop. He won a Grammy in 2024 for his role in SZA’s No. 1 single “Snooze” and has continued to rack up high-profile collaborations.

Before his behind-the-scenes success, Thomas worked as a child performer. He played Young Simba on Broadway and later appeared on Nickelodeon: he voiced Tyrone on The Backyardigans and had a recurring role as Andre Harris on the network’s hit show Victorious. He also made guest appearances on iCarly—details that have surprised younger fans now discovering his production work.

Why this matters now

The timing is significant: Thomas’s album “MUTT” is nominated for Album of the Year and Best R&B Album, and he’s in the running for Best New Artist—an unusual mix for an established writer-producer. The full list of his 2026 Grammy nominations includes:

  • Album of the Year — “MUTT”
  • Best New Artist
  • Best R&B Performance — “MUTT (Live From NPR’s Tiny Desk)”
  • Best Traditional R&B Performance — “VIBES DON’T LIE”
  • Best R&B Album — “MUTT”
  • Best R&B Song — “YES IT IS”

Career highlights and songwriting credits

As a behind-the-scenes creator, Thomas has writing or production credits on songs for artists including Ariana Grande, SZA, Drake, Ty Dolla Sign, Jack Harlow, Post Malone, Big Sean and Bryson Tiller. Notable tracks tied to his work include SZA’s “Snooze,” Drake’s “Pipe Down,” Ariana Grande’s “Nasty,” and production on songs featuring Jay‑Z and Lil Wayne.

Reaction and buzz

Thomas’s nominations and announced Grammy performance have generated fresh attention online as fans connect his childhood screen appearances to his grown-up industry role. Industry observers note that a high-profile performance and multiple nominations can shift a writer-producer into a mainstream artist spotlight—bringing wider streaming attention to his solo work and “MUTT.”

What to watch next

The 68th Grammys are on Feb. 1 at Crypto.com Arena and will be available to stream on Paramount+. Expect a boost in streams and searches for Thomas’s catalog around the broadcast, and potential follow-up projects or collaborations now that he’s center stage. Whether the ceremony brings more trophies or simply a higher public profile, this moment is likely to change how mainstream audiences see Leon Thomas.