Victorious’ Leon Thomas On Working With Ariana Grande, Drake, And SZA | Ep 57

HEAD TO FACTORMEALS.CO... AND USE CODE NEDS50 TO GET 50% OFF.
Find your social sweet spot, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com...
today to get 10% off your first month.
The one and only Leon Thomas is here this week! You may know him as André from Nickelodeon’s Victorious or as a Grammy winning artist and producer. Leon talks ALL about his journey to Nickelodeon and his time on Victorious, including the connection he formed with Ariana Grande that led to producing her music. He also gives an honest look into what it’s like working with other major musical artists like Drake and SZA. Plus, the whole gang reminisces on the good, the bad, and the ugly of the Kids Choice Awards.
Who is Leon’s all-time favorite artist to work with? Why was Devon the only Ned’s cast member to get a Kids Choice Award? What did Michelle Obama do to Daniel?? Tune in now!
Follow Leon @leonthomas on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X, and @leonthomasmusic on KZbin.
To watch clips from this episode, subscribe to the Ned's Pod Clips KZbin channel: / @nedspodclips
Want access to weekly bonus videos, exclusive behind-the-scenes content and more? Join our Patreon now at / nedspod
Follow, Rate, & Review:
🍎 Follow on Apple: apple.co/3JyMMrz
🔊 Follow on Spotify: spoti.fi/3XYd8aT
Follow Ned's Pod on Social:
Facebook: / nedsdeclassifiedpod
Instagram: / nedsdeclassifiedpod
TikTok: / nedspod
Shop Ned's Pod Merch: fanjoy.co/coll...
#NedsPod #NedsDeclassified #Podcast

[@nostalgiamostalgia0319]

Leon's arguably the coolest Victorious cast member, since he was practically being himself all that time.

[@SILMANTV]

Ain’t no arguable he carried that show every time he was on screen

[@pleaseshutup7053]

@@SILMANTVhim and Victoria had great chemistry

[@NoHandlzz]

being so talented that the director just says “fuck it, be yourself”

[@mo777-]

the casting director did a great job. all of them were so good together

[@griffinmyers6618]

All touched by dan

[@EdwardSanchezProductions]

Congratulations to Leon on wining an Grammy

[@Husslenot1201]

*winning

[@KingNexusMOCs]

Ah, yes. I remember when I wined for the first time.

[@GaffsNotLaffs]

More like congrats to Leon for appearing on the Ned’s Declassified Podcast Survival Guide

[@Kurtz_Hurtz]

​@skyzone1201 you're not helping

[@Husslenot1201]

@@Kurtz_Hurtzsorry

[@anisaantoinette6381]

LEONS RESUME IS LONGGGGGG. I always forget how many iconic things he was apart of and how talented he is. Clicked the video as soon as I saw him. Victorious Bred so many big stars

[@reant822]

ANDREEE!!!!! IT’S RAINING IN MY BATHROOM

[@quindariouslark2687]

Grandma you were just taking a shower

[@boofpeanuts6960]

@@quindariouslark2687OK ANDRE!!!

[@chriswilliams1024]

Andre's Grandma so icon.

[@nakiahhatchett7346]

Favorite comment

[@sarcoboi12v3]

ANDRÉ. THERE’S ANOTHER ME ON THE WALL 🗣️

[@joshfactor1]

grandma, that's just your reflection in the mirror

[@zuziiRock]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@bullworthless]

ANDRE, THERE'S A HELICOPTER IN THE KITCHEN🗣

[@TORULEZ10]

At a time when there weren't many black actors on these shows, I really appreciated Leon and how his character wasn't a stereotype 💐👏🏾

[@ralpheonowens5583]

There was sum stereotypes within his character but yeah I agree his character wasn’t a stereotype if that makes sense

[@Roma_Wade]

@@ralpheonowens5583i mean every childrens show character was prone to stereotyping regardless of race

[@CourtneyA.]

So is the Victorious group chat lit now after the Quiet on Set documentary?

[@anomaly_1417]

@@Amazingunreleasedmusic-nx3uithey were probably gonna get together eventually it just ended prematurely

[@tchallaware3639]

Congratulations to him on not only winning a Grammy but also making and directing hits

[@stang9806]

One of the best guests you’ve had so far!

[@tajsimms8976]

9:04 I learned Leon was a music producer listening Ari’s first album when it first came out. I’m a music nerd so I looked up the producers of her songs, The rascals produced like every song! Then I learned Leon was The rascals. Such a cool fact 2 of your favorite child hood stars making an album together! I was 15 at the time, I’m glad he’s finally all his work because I was telling my friends “Andre produced this Ariana song”

[@Jesse-kw4nk]

Dang Leon venturing outside of acting and being really successful but also giving a honest response to your questions is really dope to see. This was a really good guest/convo

[@Justlov4]

Leon was always my favorite on victorious. I always thought his musical talent was top tier and now he won a Grammy. I'm really happy he is doing well

[@samlung2724]

Leon, Ariana Daniella and Elizabeth were my favorite

[@isaiahedmonson5832]

Love em all Victoria justice was my favorite 😍

[@iamthurnis745]

Leon is that guy when it comes to songwriting, so dope to see him flourish and get the credit he deserves

[@Saucepv897]

Leon's story about how he got into the lion king, makes me think that the pilot of victorious was inspired by him

[@hi.goodbye2167]

First! Love him! He was my favourites character on Victorious! Glad to see him doing well!!

[@KingNexusMOCs]

What do you mean? I do love him. Not that you could really force that on anyone tbh..

[@NewHaven203]

Andre’s grandma: “ANDRE!!!!! YOU WERE ON THE NED’S DECLASSIFIED PODCAST?! ANDREEEEE”

[@uchihabomber1296]

I saw Andre and immediately knew I had to watch this one

[@number3665]

You know Y'all gotta get the homie Kel Mitchell on the Pod next!

[@busymike]

I would love that. And Kenan too. I’m sure they would do it.

[@nclp1751]

this man's resume is insane. SIMBA AND SAM COOKE ON BROADWAY. ANDRE ON VICTORIOUS. PRODUCING FOR ARIANA GRANDE, DRAKE, SZA, ETC. BEING THE SINGING VOICE FOR TYRONE OF BACKYARDIGANS LIKE SO RANDOM BUT OMG. SUCH A TALENTED PERSON FR.

[@dillona1001]

BRO. Leon is was and will likely forever be the most legendarily prolific artists to come out of Nickelodeon🔥 Been a stan since his iCarly cameo✊🏿😤 Bro unironically became the multitalented producing prodigy he was typecasted as🤣🤌🏿🔥 Hell, I think he's the reason I have dreadlocks💁🏿‍♂️ LMAO🥴🤣👏🏿👏🏿 Been GOAT🐐🤞🏿😎

[@pleaseshutup7053]

You can tell this man is passionate for what he does it’s good to see him being a success

[@oreoblast2012]

Victorious was such a STACKED cast. Like so many kids from Broadway etc and they've done so well after too obviously.

[@esmukhtert2005]

Leon Thomas III is the best former Nick star ever with Devon, Lindsey and Daniel❤️❤️❤️😁😁😁

[@ilovecookiesmorthanyou]

What tip you have in your survival guide for this one Ned?

[@chrisbdk4008]

Brooo i seen the thumbnail and fuckin jumped up out of bed lmao alresdy know this gon be the best episode yet its like im 10 again 😭😭

[@niallpike1456]

Devon, Lindsey, and Daniel Your podcasts include some of the OGs of Nickelodeon, and it's awesome

[@spderman123]

ugh what if i told you everything was a lie

[@doelow8577]

Too bad they’re all clowns

[@leftjab6145]

I wouldn’t say he’s an OG tbh

[@niallpike1456]

@@leftjab6145 Understood. I see Because he became an actor in the 2010s for Victorious. Fact: He was at one point a voice actor for The Backyardigans when he was younger. I looked up the cast

[@blindman710]

Bro is super humble for all the things he's done and just brushes it off acting like playing Simba on Broadway is casual.

[@seanjames1768]

yoooo I didnt know Leon was Tyrone on Backyardagains. But my whole family absolutely loved August Rush he killed that movie as a kid🔥

[@EdwardSanchezProductions]

Oh my god it’s Andre from victorious

[@hashimkhan7020]

Including icarly

[@andreaveiga8698]

“Kids choice awards was always a great time” to “what’s your biggest fear?” took me out

[@Mrcleeeo]

Timbs with ya legs crossed like that is outrageous

[@jk2171]

😂😂😂😂

[@knives_on_static]

I wonder if they'll have an episode talking about Dan Snider with some older Nick stars and touch on the subject of what it was like to be a child actor in the 90s and early - mid 2000s

[@henselmolina3977]

They might have Dan Schneider himself on the pod

[@seanrobey8335]

Devon Lindsay and daniel were actually making fun of drake bell for coming clean about what hapoened

[@Smithanonymous]

Disappointed in your reaction to the documentary about Nickelodeon, just because it didn’t happen to you doesn’t mean this isn’t a serious issue the others faced.

[@jessicamartinez257]

Right? What if someone from their set did experience something, it’s so insensitive to victims. It keeps people from feeling safe to share their experiences.

[@Surayya444]

SERIOUSLY. THEY’RE LIKE IN THEIR 30s. Just immature behavior. They’re all so immature. I knew that from watching them grow up they weren’t mature like most other child stars. They’re really sheltered and naive. So to see that video was disappointing but also not surprising

[@sakunaruful]

They made a public apology on their channel. It’s 40 minutes long. They felt remorse and took accountability for their mistakes.

[@michaelahchante]

@@sakunarufulnah don’t make excuses for them cause they knew joking about SA was wrong. They even said we shouldn’t be joking about this while laughing. They are childish. And only apologize cause they got a lot of backlash

[@sakunaruful]

@@michaelahchante Watch the apology video yourself and come to your own conclusions.

[@VOYCE_Official]

Man I went to school in Brooklyn with Leon he was so Lowkey then shocked the whole school during the talent show 👏🏽👏🏽

[@ZachBux1345]

I literally remember when Ned Declassified ended and Victorious started. Wild

[@alexamjenn]

I knew Leon would be incredibly successful since the moment I saw him on screen as a child on iCarly as a guest star. An absolute gem of a human being ✨

[@faithcamille5089]

LMAOOOO "I did a Broadway play called Lion King" lololololol

[@itsbrittanyrenae]

I'm incredibly disappointed in your reaction to hearing what Drake endured. By making those "funny" little comments, not only does it come off as distasteful and invalidating; you are not-so-subtly indicating to ALL of your viewers (many of whom have been victims as well) that it's okay to joke about someone else's horrific trauma. How would you all feel if someone publicly made fun of the deepest emotional or physical wounds you've endured? How would you feel if someone publicly made jokes about your friend, loved one, sister/brother's assault... how could you possibly think that is okay to say? I've been a long time watcher of this podcast and fan. I genuinely root for you all. It's upsetting, and I hope you realize how damaging those statements are to your viewers, the victims, and honestly your own reputations. Please learn from this. And do better.

[@mike47734]

Sometimes people react with comedy to make it better

[@nazareneoftheway3936]

It may be their way of coping as w3 don't know what they went through

[@parisewellington3664]

Leon's middle name being George is so funny in the context 😂😂😂

[@donjoe8518]

hes right, Italy is the best. Wines cheap, foods cheap, friendly people and everyones so chill and just beautiful af

[@stevezac_cptlpnshmnt]

Honestly guys... I don't think I will be following the podcast anymore... I loved it while it lasted, But you guys are acting like high school bullies with everything that has been going on lately regarding Nickelodeon. Its clear that you guys are more concerned with getting a revival green lit than you are standing by other child actors that were treated like shit. Devon, Lindsey; did you learn nothing from all the psychedelic experiences? Kill your ego before your ego kills you.

[@MauriThaDragun]

Keep crying

[@Surayya444]

They’re seriously children

[@Surayya444]

@@MauriThaDragunwhat’s wrong with you?

[@gucciraccoons1637]

💯💯💯💯 beautifully said

[@LaAngie.]

Honey then BYE

[@makeupanddance1548]

The vibe change from talking about the kids choice awards to Lindsey asking what Leon is most scared of in the world was so funny

[@Skrappy420]

you guys laughing at Drake Bell and his story made me hate you guys so fucking much.. here i was thinking you three were interesting and awkwardly cool.. NOPE...

[@DrknssRules1]

Probably my favorite bit of his from Victorious, it's so stupid, but the episode where they sneak into the store to get an early discount for being the first ones in the store and Robbie goes "Do you wanna go smell the scented candles with me?" And he thinks about for like a split second and, with so much enthusiasm, goes "Yeah!" Lmao.

[@pamelalansbury94]

To joke about your own co-workers being abused, and we’re talking about when they were children…..how messed up are the three of you???

[@ItsJordynnnnn]

This

[@NewYorksMostWanted]

Hate to ask, but what's the point of this? Drake isn't going to see your comment and we know how this goes, the Ned's cast will go silent for 2-3 weeks, they'll come back like nothing ever happened, and you'll more than likely forget you even left this comment because you'd have moved on to the next issue to be internet outraged over lol If you genuinely have a major issue with what they did, boosting engagement with their video by leaving comments won't help your issue.

[@AMSQ4998]

@@NewYorksMostWanted Lol edgy smart ass kids are funny

[@jessicamartinez257]

Yes!!! I came to unsubscribe and support comments like this one!!

[@maxwellllllllll-y5i]

Fr, disgusting behavior.

[@DGreen302]

YESSIRRRRR! Leon the goat fr!🐐

[@NewHaven203]

It’s gonna take a while for them to bounce back from this Drake situation

[@gucciraccoons1637]

They’re not going to

[@megggiezombie]

I still remember seeing him guest star on iCarly and thinking "damn that kid is talented" and now he's won a Grammy!? Congrats!

[@ayeyobrianna]

He produced Snooze by SZA!!

[@doelow8577]

Unsubscribed after yo video about drake haven’t even been watching the pod cuz the last couple months been wack. Wish you guys were as cool as yall made yoself seem first couple episodes. It’s a shame I stood up for clowns I never even met before just cuz I watched yall on tv and some the pods.

[@MikaylaLynn]

DISGUSTING PEOPLE, only here to see what people are commenting on this BULLSHIT ass channel. Hopefully guests will stop coming. Poor guy is just here for a good time.

[@karlasansores7834]

I can't believe You made fun of Drake Bell's story. Shame on you. I thought you guys were better than that.

[@Natethegreat200c]

ANDRE !! I CANT FIND MY CONTACT LENSE!! Grandma, you don’t wear contacts. THEN WHERE ARE MY GLASSES Tori: ….. their on your face…… WAS I TALKING TO YOU??? I don’t THINK 🧐 I WAS. 😂😂😂😂😂. All time fav

[@Roshuwah]

I did not realize he was Eddie in insecure!! I was just a little too old to catch victorious, but it's been great to see how well this guy has done over the years

[@ItsYuhBoyyyy]

You guys might be cooked😭

[@joscar062]

They cooked themselves They're washed up And they exposed themselves

[@adams8830]

They'll be back.

[@madmudd96]

He was soo nonchalant about his beginnings on Broadway!? That is soo cool 🤩

[@Real_Name_Redacted]

This was such a an easy watch. The conversation just flowed naturally

[@NightscapeProduction]

I was listening to this man's album for MONTHS before i realized I knew him from Nickelodeon lol. Quality stuff 🔥

[@catma9695]

I had a huuuuuuuuge crush on Leon when he was on Victorious. So happy to see him thriving in the music industry

[@Amelia_Spencer]

wow big ariana fan and the second leon said the rascals i immediately though "its the rascals i looked in my rearview mirror anddd" never knew after all these years. love hearing him actually speak on it all

[@severeoneblunt]

Leon was always my favorite Nick cast member on any show... relatable as Andre plus hella talented artist

[@intro1017]

Devin cusses like he just learned those words

[@henselmolina3977]

I know huh

[@niallpike1456]

I knew Leon was a musician, and I knew he worked with Ariana Grande, but it's awesome he also worked with SZA and Drake.

[@alisonclarke1127]

YESSSSS!!!!! Andre from Victorious and Tyrone from The Backyardigans ❤❤❤❤

[@finchborat]

No pod today. Looks like they (mainly Devon and Lindsey) realized they screwed up ROYALLY.

[@HanaMarshmallows]

lol wouldn't be Lindsey's first time...

[@domimburgia935]

I didn’t know Leon was Tyrone from Backyardigans. That’s crazy

[@peachhazel7865]

Singing voice lol

[@domimburgia935]

@@peachhazel7865 Oh that makes sense

[@EfromR]

Damn bro worked with aang

[@OldSlyEyes]

leon was tryna keep up with their insane energy lol

[@RellyRell-ud3iz]

lol he should be used to it from his Nickelodeon days

[@SarahSmith-df7ny]

My club would’ve swung at the wrong ball(s) after this convo. She has so much patience.

[@SttudDioPierrot]

We Makin It Outta Hollywood Arts With This One 🗣️🗣️💯💯

[@Danield.mallory]

I know it’s a podcast but I would love to see more improv skits like your sponsored video promos 😂 that’s good content and you guys do it well lol

[@Natalya08]

My only comment is you all should be happy you didn’t work on a Dan Schneider show. Instead of mocking someone who has been SA you should be trying to speak out about the horrors that went on at your channel. Do better. Be better. Don’t just apologize to your audience but also the victims and Drake himself. Then look deep within yourselves to try to understand why your response was humor instead of being kind.

[@allisons8480]

They uploaded an ep today doing that

[@alyssagoebel1312]

ANDRÉ, they're using my tumblers on a podcast 😍 today's pod was incredible ❤️❤️

[@finchborat]

Idk if they'll ever talk about the Quiet on Set documentary (they probably will), but from what I've seen thus far (couldn't catch all of the 1st part), I'm glad Devon and co. were treated very well by Scott Fellows.

[@joscar062]

I remember them making fun of the victims on a livestream that even Drake had to retweet that nonsense Ned's declaseless for sure

[@henselmolina3977]

​@@joscar062 You know De means not so Declassless means not classless.

[@DanielCrawford01]

RIP Ned’s Pod

[@Nacho650]

More like RIP Ned's reboot

[@TheMayweather]

So when yall gon mention #QuietOnSet?

[@GenMilleXial]

this didn’t age well. lol.

[@yickyhite1725]

​@GenMilleXial what even happend?

[@joscar062]

​@@yickyhite1725 Ned made fun of Drake being SA That's why you don't see a new episode since yesterday

[@GenMilleXial]

@@yickyhite1725 laughing at r*pe is goddamm disgusting.

[@onallyrose1996]

I didn't even know that he wrote music for alot of ppl good for him for winning a Grammy 🙌👏👏👏🔥🙌🙌 he was one of the best and funniest characters in victorious he really carried the show 😂 🤣

[@alphawolfjames9881]

When you guys said Whitney can sing anything, I was literally thinking she could sing "Ee i ee i O" and at 14:39 Ned said Old Macdonald hahahaha.

[@roeZee25]

Why y’all making fun of SA?

[@sholabolaji2975]

Amazing Leon Thomas is on the Ned’s podcast

[@TheLivingBluejay]

These first five minutes are absolutely hilarious! 😆 *George*

[@DarkyNova]

Damn just as I started rewatching School Survival guide too. Nah y’all lost em.

[@norahsworld3495]

HIS ALBUM IS SAVING MY LIFE

[@toniadams703]

He’s so humble…

[@miss22forever46]

Joking about children being sexually abused is WILD. Disgusting

[@Feliciatanktop]

GRAMMY WINNER IN THE MF BUILDING 🎉

[@ChronosAnJill]

Leon is such a cool man. He seems to be the kind of person you want to be around

[@MIent1313]

Crazy I've kinda followed him since he was on Just Jordan. Was always a fan of him and his music on any show he was on. He was always so talented. Glad to see all his success now

[@Trueconfidence]

My guy dream collaboration right there no cap 💯🙌🏾🙏🏾

[@bruceanderson2103]

Hey guys, fun fact. Peter Benchley the author of "Jaws" started doing research on sharks because he was horrified at the treatment of sharks after the book and especially the movie. What he found out is that sharks don't really like to eat humans, they usually attack us because they mistake us for seals. Alligators on the other hand will eat you!

[@xanmarino]

Cookie, Michael from Zoey 101 & Leon were who suburban black kids (or at least me & my siblings) found familiarity with on a network where not a lotta ppl looked or acted like us

[@sakunaruful]

Leon played himself in the Christmas special for the Naked Brothers Band (2009) and was on the iCarly Saves Tv special.

[@paydro162]

Wow my childhood, watched those 2 shows religiously everyday after school

[@diegopansini3152]

The MVP of the show himself! 😮

[@marissacarroll]

At work a few weeks ago, we were debating who would win: an alligator with wings, or shark with a jetpack, so it was very funny to hear you guys also doing a debate of your own on that subject 🤣 Loved this episode, it's so awesome to see Leon!!

[@poeskey]

Leon is awesome, its so cool to see that hes been so successful away from Victorious. He was always my favorite character whenever id see the show, and hes a fantastic musician. Loved snooze.

[@elisnider]

I’ve been absolutely loving this podcast. Ned’s declassified was a big part of my childhood and seeing them all together again is just so great. We grew up. And the world is so different now. But little moments that bring a community together are so important. Hope all is well for you guys 🙏❤️

[@420yoloswag4jesuss]

Omg yess he’s a producer now lowkey so cool glad to see all of you still doing good!!

[@dukedp78]

Yall remembered him on Naked Brothers Band 😭

[@artagle_14]

He was on that too? 😭

[@henselmolina3977]

I like where this is going ;)

[@sakunaruful]

Yeah, the Christmas Special, he was a guest star.

[@austinblevins6804]

Its cool to see him doing what he was trying to do in Victorious with music

[@destinyelena919]

In all seriousness… Leon Thomas is an incredible human! His album was so perfect, I truly felt it was the best r&b album ( by a male )of the year ❤

[@niallpike1456]

0:03 - 0:13 Best harmonizing

[@ty-lee888]

whyyy all the craziness, I was really looking forward to another episode of the pod today :(

[@HanaMarshmallows]

Disgusting way to mock someone, what Drake did wasn't right either but mocking someone who decides to come out with the truth just showed us who you truly are.

[@joscar062]

He didn't do anything though He only pled guilty to the texts If anything these guys did more harm than good

[@sonofyah_chosen1950]

Dev and Lindsay been showing they colors for months, they full of themselves and attention seeking narcissists . I’d only watch whenever they’d have a guest I’d be interested in seeing what they up to. So I’m not surprised about this.

[@finchborat]

@@sonofyah_chosen1950 Also, those 2 are guilty of immaturity, twisted beliefs, and excessive cussing. Daniel is the more wise and mature of the trio.

[@mo777-]

drake didn’t do anything. you need to look into the case before making a comment. he found out her age and then stopped texted her because she LIED about her age at first