Leon Thomas has officially cemented his place in music history with a stunning victory at the 2026 Grammy Awards, where he took home the prestigious trophy for Best R&B Album. The 32-year-old artist, who first captured hearts as a teenager on the beloved Nickelodeon series Victorious, used his moment in the spotlight to shine a light on the creative partnerships that helped shape his journey—including a particularly special collaboration with his former co-star, Ariana Grande.
In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE following his win, Thomas couldn't help but gush about the experience of working with Grande, describing it as one of his most cherished creative endeavors. "She is such a beautiful voice, and to see how she can flip a song around and really make it her own was beautiful," Thomas shared, his voice filled with genuine admiration for his longtime friend.
The connection between Thomas and Grande runs far deeper than a simple professional acquaintance. The two performers spent their formative years together on the set of Victorious, where they portrayed Andre Harris and Cat Valentine respectively. The show, which centered on a group of talented students navigating life at a prestigious performing arts high school, served as an unexpected training ground for their future music careers. "It allowed us both to test out what it felt like to be an artist," Thomas reflected, noting how the experience of performing weekly on a major television platform gave them both a taste of the artistic life they would eventually pursue full-time.
What makes their creative partnership particularly powerful is the foundation of genuine friendship that underpins it. Thomas emphasized that their personal bond translates directly into their musical chemistry. "She's a really great co-writer as well," he explained. "We're really good friends, which contributes to the success of our music." This sentiment highlights a crucial truth in the entertainment industry: the most authentic collaborations often stem from real relationships built on trust and mutual respect.
The 2026 Grammy Awards proved to be a banner night for both Victorious alumni. While Thomas was celebrating his Best R&B Album victory, Grande was simultaneously making her own mark on music's biggest night. The pop sensation claimed the award for Best Pop Vocal Duo alongside her Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo for their breathtaking rendition of "Defying Gravity." The dual victories served as a powerful testament to how far both artists have come since their days as child actors, transforming from television stars into Grammy-winning musicians with distinct artistic identities.
Thomas's triumph was particularly sweet given the scope of his recognition. The Recording Academy showered him with an impressive six nominations, a feat that left the artist both humbled and exhilarated. In a December 2025 interview with PEOPLE, Thomas expressed his astonishment at the breadth of his recognition. "Nominations started rolling in. And to my surprise, I had six. That was a beautiful, beautiful experience," he recalled. "But I think more than anything, it was something that really gave cause to everybody believing in me in the ways that they did."
The significance of these nominations extended far beyond personal validation for Thomas. They represented a hard-won victory over the skepticism he faced when first transitioning from acting to a serious music career. "In the beginning of my artist career, it was kind of tough in the industry," Thomas admitted candidly. "People didn't necessarily believe I could reach these kinds of heights and goals on the outside looking in." This transparency about his struggles adds depth to his Grammy win, transforming it from a simple accolade into a symbol of perseverance and artistic integrity.
The full list of Thomas's nominations showcased the breadth of his talent across multiple dimensions of R&B music. In addition to his winning category, he earned nods for Album of the Year for his 2024 sophomore project Mutt; Best R&B Performance for a live rendition of the album's title track, which also served as his breakout single; Best Traditional R&B Performance for "Vibes Don't Lie"; Best R&B Song for "Yes It Is"; and the coveted Best New Artist category. This comprehensive recognition demonstrates that Thomas isn't just a flash in the pan—he's a multifaceted artist with staying power.
The journey from child actor to Grammy winner is a path that Grande famously blazed before him, making Thomas's comment about "following in her footsteps" particularly poignant. Both artists have managed to navigate the often-treacherous transition from teen stardom to adult artistry with remarkable grace, maintaining their authenticity while evolving their sound and image. Their shared history on Victorious created a unique bond that has clearly endured through the years, providing a foundation of mutual understanding that few collaborators can claim.
What makes their story especially compelling is how it challenges common narratives about child stars. Rather than falling into the pitfalls that often plague young performers, Thomas and Grande have both emerged as respected artists in their own right, earning the respect of their peers and the industry at large. Their Grammy wins serve as validation not just of their individual talents, but of the unique foundation that shows like Victorious can provide when they prioritize genuine artistic development over mere entertainment.
The 2026 Grammy ceremony, broadcast live from Los Angeles's Crypto.com Arena, provided the perfect backdrop for this celebration of artistic growth and enduring friendship. As Thomas held his trophy and spoke about his creative partnership with Grande, viewers were reminded that success in the music industry isn't just about individual talent—it's about the connections we forge, the collaborations we nurture, and the friendships that sustain us through the inevitable challenges of a creative career.
For fans of Victorious, the dual Grammy wins must feel like a full-circle moment. The show that introduced them to these talented performers has now, in a way, come to fruition in the most spectacular fashion possible. The fictional performing arts school that served as the show's setting has been replaced by the very real world of professional music, but the lessons learned and the bonds formed during those formative years continue to resonate.
As Thomas continues to build on his Grammy success, his partnership with Grande stands as a testament to the power of authentic collaboration. In an industry often criticized for its manufactured relationships and superficial connections, their genuine friendship offers a refreshing alternative. It's a reminder that the best art often comes from the most honest places, and that sometimes, the most valuable creative partnerships are the ones that begin with a simple friendship forged on a television set years ago.
The story of Leon Thomas and Ariana Grande is ultimately one of parallel journeys, shared roots, and mutual respect. From their days as young performers on Victorious to their respective Grammy victories in 2026, they have each carved out unique paths while maintaining the connection that first brought them together. As Thomas looks toward the future with his Best R&B Album trophy in hand, he does so knowing that he's not just celebrating his own achievement—he's celebrating the power of friendship, collaboration, and the enduring bonds that make great art possible.