Josh Levi

Joshua Levi Bolden is an American singer-songwriter and actor based in Los Angeles. He first gained recognition as a child actor on the NBC drama Friday Night Lights before transitioning to music through his appearance on The X Factor USA. His career shifted significantly after he voiced Aaron Z in the Pixar film Turning Red, which introduced him to a global audience through the viral hit Nobody Like U.

As of 2026, Levi has established himself as a prominent voice in contemporary R&B. Following his signing to Issa Rae's Raedio label in 2021, he released his debut studio album HYDRAULIC in late 2025. The project received critical praise for its soulful storytelling and blend of modern production with classic influences. He continues to tour extensively and release new music that explores themes of faith and personal growth. [edit]

Joshua Levi Bolden was born in Houston, Texas, where his early years were shaped by the city's rich cultural and musical landscape. He attended high school in Houston, where he began developing his skills in both acting and singing. His initial entry into the entertainment industry came through television, where he landed a recurring role as Young Tim Riggins on the long-running NBC series Friday Night Lights between 2006 and 2011. This experience provided him with early exposure to professional sets and performance dynamics.

Following his time on Friday Night Lights, Bolden pursued opportunities in music. In 2014, he auditioned for the third season of The X Factor USA. Although he was eliminated in seventh place, his vocal performances during the competition garnered a dedicated following. Immediately after the show, he formed a short-lived boy group with fellow contestants, though this project did not achieve significant commercial traction. During this period, he continued to refine his craft, eventually releasing his debut extended play DISC ONE in July 2020, which marked his formal transition into a solo recording artist. [edit]

The trajectory of Josh Levi's career changed dramatically in March 2022 when he was cast as Aaron Z in the Disney/Pixar animated film Turning Red. As a member of the fictional band 4*Town, he performed on the soundtrack track Nobody Like U, a song co-written by Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell. The single became a massive viral sensation, peaking at number 49 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Levi his first Grammy nomination in November 2022 for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.

In June 2022, he followed up his debut EP with DISC TWO, maintaining momentum from his animated film success. Later that year, his music caught the attention of producer Issa Rae, leading to a recording contract with her label, Raedio, in partnership with Atlantic Records. This partnership elevated his profile within the R&B community and provided the resources for larger-scale production.

His debut studio album, HYDRAULIC, arrived in October 2025 via Raedio and Atlantic Records. The album showcased his growth as a songwriter and vocalist, blending contemporary R&B with soulful narratives. In 2026, Levi launched the Hydraulic Tour, performing intimate stripped-down shows at venues like the Blue Note. By September 2026, he expanded the album's reach with a deluxe edition titled HYDRAULIC: FUELED UP, featuring collaborations with Brandy and Teezo Touchdown. The remix of Say It also saw significant airplay, further cementing his status as a lead artist in the genre. [edit]

Josh Levi is portrayed as a sincere and introspective artist who values authenticity above all else. Media coverage consistently highlights his journey from a child actor to a mature R&B vocalist, emphasizing his dedication to genuine storytelling. His content tone is reflective and soulful, often exploring themes of faith, love, and the search for one's inner child. On social media, he engages directly with fans by sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of his creative process, avoiding the polished detachment common in pop stardom. His fashion sense reflects a blend of urban trends and classic R&B aesthetics, mirroring the duality of his career path. [edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person, so no global ranking position is currently available. He is not featured on the September 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list.

While there is no official fandom name established by his management, fans typically refer to themselves as "Levi's Crew" or simply "fans" on social media platforms. The fanbase is highly active on Instagram and Twitter, organizing streaming parties for his singles and coordinating support for his tour dates. A notable ritual among followers involves creating TikTok edits of his Turning Red performances and sharing lyrics from HYDRAULIC that resonate with their personal struggles. Levi engages back by acknowledging fan creations and sharing updates about his creative journey, fostering a community built around shared appreciation for his music and message. [edit]

Josh Levi holds the distinction of being one of the few former X Factor contestants to successfully secure a major voice acting role in a Pixar film. His connection to Issa Rae was entirely organic; she discovered his music organically rather than through traditional scouting methods or industry connections. He is known for writing his own lyrics, often drawing from deep personal experiences regarding faith and self-discovery. Fans frequently note his ability to switch seamlessly between the emotional vulnerability required for R&B vocals and the character work needed for animation. His signature style often blends streetwear trends with classic R&B aesthetics, reflecting his dual background in urban culture and musical tradition. [edit]

Josh Levi maintains a close tie to his roots in Houston, Texas, while primarily residing in Los Angeles for his career. He comes from a family that supported his early artistic endeavors, though specific details about his parents and siblings remain private. He lives a relatively low-profile personal life away from the spotlight, focusing on his creative output and spiritual practices. There are no widely documented public stories involving extended family members or household pets, as he prefers to keep his domestic life separate from his public persona. [edit]

Issa Rae, Billie Eilish, Finneas O'Connell, Brandy, Teezo Touchdown[edit]

As of 2026, Josh Levi maintains a relatively private personal life. There are no widely documented public romantic relationships, engagements, or marriages attributed to him in credible sources up to late 2026. While he has been linked to various individuals in social media speculation, no official confirmations of dating history exist. He is currently reported to be single. He resides primarily in Los Angeles, California, while maintaining ties to his hometown of Houston. [edit]

Research by the iFANN Editorial Team puts Josh Levi's fortune at around $2.6 million as of 2026. This estimate reflects his earnings from music streaming, album sales, and touring revenue generated by the Hydraulic Tour. His income streams include royalties from the Turning Red soundtrack, particularly the hit track Nobody Like U, as well as licensing deals and merchandise sales. While specific endorsement figures remain undisclosed, his growing presence in the R&B market suggests steady financial growth. Real estate holdings have not been publicly documented, but his primary residence remains in Los Angeles. [edit]