Leon Thomas Wins Best New Artist at 2025 BET Awards: 'Music is a team sport'
Singer, songwriter and record producer Leon Thomas III picked up Best New Artist at last night's (June 9) BET Awards for his hit "Mutt".
Many may remember Thomas as Andre Harris on Nickelodeon's Victorious (2010-2013) and as the voice of Tyrone on Nick Jr.'s The Backyardigans (2006-2008). But the 31-year-old has been busy writing and producing some of today's biggest hits for fellow artists such as Victorious co-star Ariana Grande, Toni Braxton, SZA, Babyface, Drake and Rick Ross.
"I just want to say, my grandfather always used to tell me music is a team sport. And I want to thank God first and foremost, the coach of my life," he said.
"My mother, she went on a bathroom break, she didn't get to see me [...]. But I'll tell you right now, we've been in this together my entire life and I wouldn't be here without you, mom. I love you so much.
"I want to thank my team at EZMNY, Shawn Barron, Ty Dolla $ign, Capitol [Records], the whole machine. I appreciate y'all. Culture Collective [Management] Jonathan Azu. I love y'all so much. Thank you."
Watch Thomas perform his newest single "Mutt".
