{"id":435139,"date":"2026-05-19T14:48:09","date_gmt":"2026-05-19T14:48:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/435139\/"},"modified":"2026-05-19T14:48:09","modified_gmt":"2026-05-19T14:48:09","slug":"leon-thomas-set-to-receive-2026-ascap-vanguard-award","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/435139\/","title":{"rendered":"Leon Thomas Set to Receive 2026 ASCAP Vanguard Award"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n\tThree-time Grammy winner Leon Thomas<\/a> will receive the ASCAP Vanguard Award at an invitation-only event celebrating ASCAP\u2019s top hip-hop, R&B and gospel songwriters on Thursday, June 25 in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n

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\n\tThomas received the ASCAP R&B\/hip-hop and rap song of the year award in 2024 for co-writing SZA<\/a>\u2019s smash \u201cSnooze.\u201d This year, he returns to accept the ASCAP Vanguard Award, presented to ASCAP members whose innovative work is helping shape the future of music. Previous recipients include Victoria Mon\u00e9t, Migos, Janelle Mon\u00e1e and Beastie Boys.<\/p>\n

\n\t\u201cLeon Thomas is one of R&B\u2019s most creative forces today and is reshaping its sound with his boundary-breaking artistry,\u201d ASCAP EVP and head of creative membership Nicole George-Middleton said in a statement. \u201cHis passion, creativity and undeniable talent have established him as a defining voice of this generation. We are proud to honor him with this year\u2019s ASCAP Vanguard Award.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tBorn in Brooklyn, New York, Thomas began his career in Broadway\u2019s The Lion King before venturing into television, where he rose to prominence on Nickelodeon\u2019s Victorious. Following the show\u2019s end in 2013, Thomas began writing and producing for major artists including Ariana Grande, Drake, Chris Brown and Kehlani. He won his first Grammy \u2013 best R&B song \u2013 in February 2024 for co-writing \u201cSnooze.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tThomas stepped into the spotlight later that year with his sophomore album Mutt. The album housed Thomas\u2019s breakout hit \u201cMutt,\u201d a classic, old-school R&B ballad which reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.<\/p>\n

\n\tThomas won two more Grammy Awards on Feb. 1 \u2013 best R&B album for Mutt and best traditional R&B performance for \u201cVibes Don\u2019t Lie.\u201d On March 26, he won an iHeartRadio Music Award for best new R&B artist. Thomas is set to tour with Bruno Mars<\/a> in select markets on the superstar\u2019s The Romantic Tour.<\/p>\n

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