If you spent any part of the last decade humming along to "Make It Shine" or wondering how a group of high schoolers at Hollywood Arts could afford such extravagant lockers, you know Andre Harris. He was the glue. While everyone else was having a dramatic meltdown or trying to get a solo, Andre was the guy with the keyboard, the level head, and the undeniable talent. But who plays Andre in Victorious, and why does it feel like he’s secretly running the entire music industry now?
The man behind the character is Leon Thomas III.
Leon didn’t just show up to a Nickelodeon set and pretend to play the piano. He was already a Broadway veteran by the time he stepped into Andre’s shoes. We’re talking about a kid who played Young Simba in The Lion King on Broadway at just 10 years old. He wasn't just some actor they taught to play three chords; he was a legitimate prodigy.
The Mastermind Behind the Hollywood Arts Sound
When you ask people who plays Andre in Victorious, they usually remember the guy who was Tori Vega's best friend. But Andre was more than a sidekick. He was basically the show’s unofficial musical director. In the world of the show, Andre wrote almost every hit the group performed.
What’s wild is that this mirrored real life. Leon Thomas III was heavily involved in the music of the show. While other cast members were focused on the "acting" side of being a teen idol, Leon was in the lab. He wasn't just playing a musician; he was becoming a mogul.
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- Musical Versatility: On the show, Andre played piano, guitar, and even the French horn.
- The Songwriter: He co-wrote several songs for the series, including "Song 2 You."
- The Mentor: Within the narrative, he was the one who actually got Tori into Hollywood Arts in the first place.
Honestly, looking back, Andre was often the most stable, supportive character in a show filled with... let's call them "colorful" personalities. He dealt with his eccentric grandmother (who was hilarious but definitely a handful) and still managed to be the most reliable person in the room.
Life After Nickelodeon: From Andre Harris to Grammy Winner
If you haven't kept up with Leon Thomas III since 2013, you have missed one of the most incredible "glow-ups" in music history. He didn't follow the typical "Disney/Nick to Pop Star" pipeline. Instead, he took the path of a craftsman.
Basically, Leon became a secret weapon for the biggest artists in the world.
Have you heard SZA’s "Snooze"? Leon Thomas III co-wrote and co-produced that. It’s a massive, multi-platinum hit that won a Grammy. He’s also the mind behind tracks on Drake’s Certified Lover Boy. If you check the credits for "Pipe Down" or "Love All" (featuring Jay-Z), you’ll see his name right there.
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He didn't just stop at producing for others, though. Leon signed with Ty Dolla $ign’s EZMNY Records and has been releasing some of the most soulful, psychedelic R&B of the 2020s. His 2024/2025 era has been huge, with the release of his album MUTT and the deluxe version, HEEL. As of January 2026, he’s fresh off a major awards season where his solo work has finally been getting the "main character" recognition he deserves.
The Drake Connection
It’s kinda funny to think about, but the same guy who was dodging flying juice boxes at Hollywood Arts was eventually invited to the Bahamas by Drake to help finish one of the decade's biggest albums. Leon has mentioned in interviews that working with the OVO crew was a masterclass in production. He used a technique called "varispeed"—recording vocals at a different speed and then shifting them—to create that signature "slushy" R&B sound you hear on modern radio.
Why Andre Harris Still Matters to Fans
There’s a reason why search queries for who plays Andre in Victorious still spike every time the show hits a new streaming platform. For many viewers, especially fans of color, Andre was a rare representation of a talented, "cool" Black kid who didn't have to fit into a specific stereotype. He was just a genius who loved his friends and his craft.
However, if you look at the old episodes with a modern lens, fans often point out that Andre deserved more.
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- Zero Romance: While Beck, Jade, Tori, and even Robbie had romantic arcs, Andre rarely got a real love interest.
- The Sidekick Trap: He spent a lot of time helping Tori find her voice while his own solo career was pushed to the background.
- The Talent Gap: It was always a bit of a stretch to believe Andre was "just" a student when Leon’s actual musical ability was clearly professional-grade even then.
Despite the writers sometimes sidelining him, Leon Thomas III’s charisma made Andre impossible to ignore. You can't fake that kind of musical chemistry.
How to Follow Leon Thomas III Today
If you’re done with the nostalgia and want to see what the man is up to right now, you’ve got plenty of options. He isn't just "the guy from Victorious" anymore; he’s a pillar of modern R&B.
- Listen to "Electric Dusk" and "MUTT": These albums are worlds away from Nickelodeon pop. They’re moody, sophisticated, and musically complex.
- Check the Credits: Next time you hear a hit by Ariana Grande, Kehlani, or Giveon, look at the "Written By" section. There is a very high chance Leon’s name is on it.
- Live Performances: Leon is known for actually playing his instruments live—no lip-syncing here. His 2025 performances on the late-night circuit showed he still has those Broadway-caliber pipes.
The story of who plays Andre in Victorious is ultimately a story of someone who outgrew the box he was put in. Leon Thomas III took the platform Nickelodeon gave him and used it to build a foundation that most child stars can only dream of. He’s no longer the kid writing songs for a high school play; he’s the architect of the modern sound.
If you want to dive deeper into his current discography, start with the track "Favorite" or his collaboration with Victoria Monét. It’s the perfect bridge between his soulful roots and his high-gloss production style. Take a look at his latest social media updates for tour dates, as he's been hitting major festivals throughout 2025 and into early 2026.