Fans Stunned After Realizing Leon Thomas from ‘Victorious’ Just Won Best New Artist

The BET Awards on June 9 gave fans a serious blast from the past. As Leon Thomas stepped on stage to accept the Best New Artist award, some people did a double take. The name sounded familiar, and that face? Even more so. That’s because Leon Thomas is the same guy who played André Harris on the beloved Nickelodeon series Victorious back in the day.

Yep, the laid-back, super talented music guy from the show is now making serious waves in the real music industry. And fans who grew up watching him play everything from piano to French horn on-screen are feeling all kinds of nostalgic.

From Nickelodeon to the BET Awards Stage

Leon starred in Victorious from 2010 to 2013, appearing in 56 episodes. His character was known for being the chill, multi-instrumental genius who always had a tune ready. He wasn’t the loudest on the show, but he always stood out. Turns out, he was just getting started.

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After his time on Nickelodeon, Leon quietly built up a real music career. And now, over a decade later, he’s standing on one of the biggest stages in music accepting one of the top awards of the night. Talk about full circle.

Fans Celebrate the Glow-Up

Once people connected the dots, social media lit up. One fan posted, “Leon Thomas we watched him on tv Victorious he’s come so far.” Another added, “Been rocking with Leon Thomas since Victorious. So happy for his success. Well-deserved.”

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Someone else wrote, “I’ve been waiting on this for years!” And another viewer shared, “Best New Artist at the #BETAwards feels right — a fresh voice with depth, soul, and serious potential. One to watch in the R&B scene!”

A Career That’s Been Quietly Building for Years

Leon dropped his debut album Electric Dusk in 2023. Then in 2024, he released MUTT, which really took off, featuring big names like Ty Dolla $ign and Masego. Fans and critics praised the album for its creativity and emotional range.

Not stopping there, Leon gave fans even more with MUTT Deluxe: Heel in 2025, adding fresh tracks with Big Sean, Kehlani, and Halle Bailey.

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Not Just a Singer, But a Powerhouse Producer

While his own music is now getting the spotlight, Leon’s been working behind the scenes for years. He’s written and produced for massive artists like Drake (Certified Lover Boy), Ariana Grande (Positions), and Post Malone (Stoney). He’s part of the Grammy-winning production duo The Rascals and co-produced Love, Marriage & Divorce for Toni Braxton and Babyface.

In 2024, he even won a Grammy for co-producing SZA’s smash single “Snooze.” The guy is everywhere, whether people realize it or not.

Now that fans have caught on to who Leon Thomas really is, it feels like one of those rare wins where talent, timing, and hard work all come together. And for longtime Victorious fans, it’s a pretty sweet payoff too.