As the 2026 Grammys approach, singer, songwriter, and producer Leon Thomas is among the nominees for Album of the Year for “MUTT,” his 14-track project that incorporates Jazz, Neo-Soul, and Rock influences.
According to the Recording Academy, the organization behind the Grammys, “MUTT” is the singer’s sophomore album, released in 2024 as a follow-up to his debut album, “Electric Dusk.” The album draws inspiration from artists ranging from Art Blakey and Miles Davis to Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, and its layered instrumentation and vocals highlight Thomas’ meticulous approach to production and artistic direction.
At the time of its release, Thomas — a former child star on Broadway and Nickelodeon — told Essence in an interview, “This album is me stepping into my confidence. It was a tough journey getting into music out of Nickelodeon during my twenties, but now, in my thirties, I’m showing people that I know what I’m doing—and I’m having a good time doing it.”
According to the outlet, collaborations were a key part of the album, including tracks like “Lucid Dreams” with Masego and “Feelings on Silent” with Wale.
“The majority of the features were done with the artist in the room,” Thomas said in the interview.
“Every collaboration is a new class,” he added, emphasizing his dedication to learning from his peers.
In addition to his own music, Thomas has accumulated writing and production credits with artists including Freddie Gibbs, Post Malone, Jack Harlow, Drake, and SZA. He also co-produced SZA’s “Snooze,” which earned the Grammy Award for Best R&B Song 2024, as People previously reported.
2026 Grammys: Album Of The Year Nominees
In addition to Thomas’ “MUTT,” the nominees for Album of the Year include:
- Bad Bunny – “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” (“I Should Have Taken More Photos”): Incorporates Puerto Rican musical traditions, including Salsa, Bomba, Plena, and early Reggaeton.
- Justin Bieber – “SWAG”: Blends R&B, Pop, Gospel, and New Jack Swing, reflecting his ongoing development as an artist.
- Sabrina Carpenter – “Man’s Best Friend”: Combines Pop production with personal themes and energetic arrangements.
- Clipse – “Let God Sort Em Out”: Returns to Rap with precise lyricism and production by Pharrell Williams.
- Lady Gaga’s “MAYHEM”; Kendrick Lamar’s”GNX”; and Tyler, The Creator’s “Chromakopia”: Each album presents distinct musical approaches ranging from theatrical Pop to reflective Hip-Hop.
The Album of the Year category is guaranteed to produce a first-time winner, as the Recording Academy notes that while some of the nominees have been recognized before, they have yet to take home the award.
2026 Grammy Awards
The 2026 Grammy Awards will be held Sunday, Feb. 1, in Los Angeles. Watch the ceremony live on CBS, stream on Paramount+, or access highlights and exclusive content at live.grammy.com.
