Leon Thomas to perform on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on June 3
Leon Thomas to headline “Jimmy Kimmel Live” performance
Leon Thomas is having a breakout year. The former Nickelodeon star has successfully transitioned into a respected R&B artist, and his latest achievements are testament to his talent and perseverance. On June 3, 2025, Thomas is set to perform on Jimmy Kimmel Live, marking another milestone in his flourishing music career.
From Child Star to R&B Sensation
Leon Thomas first gained fame as a teenager on the Nickelodeon series Victorious. However, he always had aspirations beyond acting. Over the years, Thomas honed his skills as a musician, songwriter, and producer, working with industry heavyweights like Drake, Kanye West, and Babyface. His dedication to his craft culminated in a Grammy win for co-producing SZA’s hit “Snooze” in 2023.
In 2023, Thomas released his debut album, Electric Dusk, laying the foundation for his musical identity. But it was his sophomore album, MUTT, released on September 27, 2024, that truly showcased his evolution as an artist. The album blends R&B, hip-hop, and soul, reflecting Thomas’s diverse influences and personal experiences.
The Success of MUTT and Its Deluxe Edition
MUTT has been a commercial and critical success. The album’s title track, “Mutt,” has resonated with audiences worldwide, earning over 1.1 billion streams. The song’s introspective lyrics and soulful melody have struck a chord, propelling it to No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on multiple R&B charts, including Hot R&B Songs, R&B Streaming Songs, and R&B Digital Song Sales .
To capitalize on the album’s momentum, Thomas released a deluxe edition titled MUTT Deluxe: HEEL on May 30, 2025.This expanded version includes nine new tracks and features collaborations with prominent artists such as Big Sean, Kehlani, Halle Bailey, and Chris Brown. The addition of these artists adds new dimensions to the album, further solidifying Thomas’s place in the contemporary R&B landscape.
Collaborations That Elevate
One standout track from the deluxe edition is “Rather Be Alone,” a heartfelt duet with Halle Bailey. The song delves into themes of heartbreak and self-discovery, with both artists drawing from personal experiences to deliver an emotionally charged performance. Thomas has emphasized the importance of authenticity in his music, stating that real-life experiences are the “paint on the canvas” of his artistry.
Another notable collaboration is the remix of “Mutt” featuring Chris Brown. This version has introduced the song to a broader audience, contributing to its climb on various charts, including a leap from No. 77 to No. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 . The remix has also achieved significant sales, with 90,000 units sold in a single week, nearly half of which came from the remix itself.
Chart Performance and Industry Recognition
The success of “Mutt” and its deluxe edition has not gone unnoticed. The song has earned the rare distinction of being the week’s Streaming Gainer, Airplay Gainer, and Sales Gainer on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, a feat last achieved by Eminem’s “Houdini” in July 2024 . Additionally, the album MUTT has reached No. 10 on the Top R&B Albums chart and re-entered the Billboard 200 at a new peak of No. 101 .
Internationally, “Mutt” has made significant strides, peaking at No. 17 on the UK Official Singles Chart and reaching No. 32 on the Official Streaming Chart . These accomplishments underscore Thomas’s growing global appeal and the universal resonance of his music.
A Performance to Remember
Thomas’s upcoming performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live is highly anticipated. Scheduled for June 3, 2025, the appearance will provide a national platform for Thomas to showcase his talents to a broader audience. Given the success of “Mutt” and the buzz surrounding the deluxe edition, this performance is poised to be a defining moment in his career.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, Thomas shows no signs of slowing down. He is set to embark on a North American headline tour this fall, with dates supporting Blxst starting October 1, 2025 . Fans can expect electrifying performances that blend his rich musicality with the raw emotion that has become his signature.
Thomas’s journey from child actor to Grammy-winning artist is a testament to his resilience and dedication to his craft.By embracing vulnerability and authenticity, he has carved out a unique space in the music industry, resonating with audiences across generations
Leon Thomas’s evolution as an artist is both inspiring and instructive. His ability to channel personal experiences into compelling music has not only earned him critical acclaim but also a devoted fan base. As he continues to break new ground with MUTT Deluxe: HEEL and his upcoming performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Thomas stands as a shining example of artistic growth and the power of perseverance.