Leave It All to Me

"Leave It All to Me"
A photo of three young teenagers posing and smiling
Single by Miranda Cosgrove featuring Drake Bell
from the album iCarly
ReleasedDecember 18, 2007
Genre
Length2:42
Label
SongwriterMichael Corcoran
ProducerMichael Corcoran
Miranda Cosgrove singles chronology
"Leave It All to Me"
(2007)		 "About You Now"
(2009)
Drake Bell singles chronology
"Makes Me Happy"
(2007)		 "Leave It All to Me"
(2007)		 "Terrific"
(2011)
Music video
"Leave It All to Me" on YouTube

"Leave It All to Me" is the debut single by American actress and singer Miranda Cosgrove featuring Drake Bell. The song served as the theme song for the Nickelodeon show iCarly and its 2021 revival. It was released as a single on December 18, 2007, by Nickelodeon Records and Columbia Records, and later added to the soundtrack album iCarly (2008). A mashup with the Victorious theme song "Make It Shine" was released as "Leave It All to Shine" in June 2011, followed by a remix by Billboard on the soundtrack album iCarly: iSoundtrack II (2012).

The song was written, produced, and mixed by Michael Corcoran. An upbeat pop, pop-punk, and synth-pop song, it has been described by critics as promoting tenacity and determination. It peaked at number 100 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 83 on the US Pop 100 chart. A music video for the song was released in 2008 and was later uploaded to Cosgrove's YouTube channel on September 28, 2010. Cosgrove performed "Leave It All to Me" during her debut solo tour, the Dancing Crazy Tour in 2011.

Background and release

American actress Miranda Cosgrove, who starred as Carly Shay on the Nickelodeon television show iCarly,[1][2] was asked by the show's producers to record a theme song for the series at age thirteen.[3][4] Although she had not previously recorded a song, she agreed to perform the track.[3] She later expressed interest in performing additional music.[5][6] The track was written, produced, and mixed by Michael Corcoran.[7] It was subsequently selected as the series' theme song.[8][9]

"Leave It All to Me" was released as a single on December 18, 2007, through Nickelodeon Records and Columbia Records.[10] It was then released as the second track on the soundtrack album iCarly on June 10, 2008.[11] A mashup combining "Leave It All to Me" and "Make It Shine", the theme song for Victorious,[12][13] was released on June 10, 2011, under the title "Leave It All to Shine".[13][14] A remix by Canadian music producer Billboard appeared on the soundtrack album iCarly: iSoundtrack II on January 24, 2012.[15][16]

In June 2021, Cosgrove told Seventeen that "Leave It All to Me" would serve as the theme song for the 2021 iCarly revival.[17][18] Cosgrove said that although a different song and rerecording of the theme had initially been considered for the revival, the original was ultimately retained after she advocated for keeping the theme song unchanged.[19][20]

Music and lyrics

"Leave It All to Me" features Cosgrove on lead vocals and Drake Bell—her co-star from Drake & Josh—on background vocals and lead guitar.[21][22][23] Heidi Kotansky of Common Sense Media described Bell's vocals on the track as "muted backup accompaniment that can't really be heard throughout most of the song".[21] She added that Cosgrove's vocals were "surprisingly decent and mature, perhaps a bit altered".[21]

The track is an upbeat pop, pop-punk, and synth-pop song.[21][24][25] "Leave It All to Me" is driven by a steady drumbeat, with its bridge featuring an electric guitar riff and bells that transition into the chorus.[21][25][26] The track concludes with Cosgrove repeatedly singing, "Leave it all to me, just leave it all to me."[21][25] Critics described the lyrics as promoting self-reliance and perseverance, citing lines such as: "Live life, breathe air/I know somehow we're gonna get there, and feel so wonderful."[21][25]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Common Sense MediaStarStarStar[21]
The Ringer6/10[25]

Critical reception for "Leave It All to Me" was mixed to positive. Kotansky described the song as "positive" and "peppy", noting that it was "very easy to get stuck in your head", though she added that it was "not the most innovative or talented pop single".[21] Writing for The Ringer, Aric Jenkins offered a similar critique, acknowledging that while he initially "detested" the opening seconds of the track, he stated the song's "deceptively catchy" arrangement and "Beach Boys–esque harmonizing" ultimately redeemed it.[25] In a retrospective commentary for Bustle, Jake Viswanath highlighted Bell's background vocals, noting how they added to the track's appeal.[27] Similarly, Danny Mills of Collider praised the track's hook and lyrics, calling it "catchy and upbeat".[28] P. Claire Dodson of Teen Vogue and Tamara Fuentes of Seventeen remarked on the song's continued memorability and resonance with audiences.[17][18]

Commercial performance

"Leave It All to Me" debuted and peaked at number 100 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart dated January 12, 2008.[29][30][31] It gave Cosgrove and Bell their first Hot 100 hit in the United States.[29][32] The song lasted for one week on the chart.[29][32] The single also charted at number 83 on the US Pop 100 chart dated January 19, 2008.[33]

Promotion and impact

The official music video for "Leave It All to Me" was released in 2008 and was later uploaded to Cosgrove's YouTube channel on September 28, 2010.[34][35][36] Cosgrove performed the track during her first headlining tour, the Dancing Crazy Tour, in 2011,[37][38] with Bell joining her onstage at Club Nokia, where his appearance drew cheers from the audience.[39] In January 2017, Bell shared a throwback video of himself and Cosgrove dancing to the song and said he hoped she would return to recording music following her hiatus to attend the University of Southern California.[39]

The track regained attention in June 2021 when American rapper DDG released a freestyle sampling the track, using its introduction and part of Cosgrove's opening verse.[26][40] In 2022, American actor and DJ Matt Bennett performed the track during his DJ sets.[41] In July 2023, the song drew renewed media coverage during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike when Cosgrove, Nathan Kress, and Jerry Trainor joined Jaidyn Triplett on a picket line as she sang the track.[42][43]

Credits and personnel

Credits were adapted from Apple Music and Collider.[7][23]

Charts

Weekly chart performance
Chart (2008) Peak
position
US Billboard Hot 100[29] 100
US Pop 100 (Billboard)[33] 83

References

  1. ↑ Robledo, Anthony (September 11, 2025). "Are Jennette McCurdy and Miranda Cosgrove still friends? 'iCarly' star explains". USA Today. Archived from the original on September 12, 2025. Retrieved October 9, 2025.
  2. ↑ Daysia, Tolentino (September 20, 2025). "Miranda Cosgrove says she struggled going from evil on Drake & Josh to nice on iCarly: 'I was really nervous'". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on September 23, 2025. Retrieved October 9, 2025.
  3. 1 2 Kinon, Christina (June 6, 2008). "Miranda Cosgrove's career heats up with new CD". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on February 18, 2021. Retrieved July 11, 2020.
  4. ↑ Rowan, Tommy (August 7, 2011). "Review: Miranda Cosgrove blows away the crowd at Sands Steel Stage". The Express-Times. Archived from the original on February 4, 2023. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  5. ↑ Lipshutz, Jason (May 7, 2010). "Miranda Cosgrove Makes 'Sparks Fly' With Top 10 Debut". Billboard. Archived from the original on December 5, 2021. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  6. ↑ Graff, Gary (January 27, 2011). "Sound Check: Miranda Cosgrove reaches beyond 'iCarly'". The Macomb Daily. Archived from the original on February 16, 2026. Retrieved February 16, 2026.
  7. 1 2 "Credits / Leave It All to Me / Miranda Cosgrove featuring Drake Bell". Apple Music. Archived from the original on August 21, 2026. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  8. ↑ Harding, Cortney; Nordyke, Kimberly (August 17, 2008). "'iCarly' star has eye on iPods". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on August 21, 2026. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  9. ↑ Lipshutz, Jason (August 11, 2011). "Miranda Cosgrove Suffers Broken Ankle in Tour Bus Crash". Billboard. Archived from the original on December 5, 2021. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  10. ↑ "Leave It All To Me (Theme from iCarly) (feat. Drake Bell)". Tidal. Archived from the original on February 13, 2021. Retrieved December 30, 2020.
  11. ↑ Thomas Erlewine, Stephen. "iCarly: Music from and Inspired by the Hit TV Show Original TV Soundtrack". AllMusic. Archived from the original on February 12, 2025. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  12. ↑ "J-14 Video: Behind the Scenes of the iCarly & Victorious Crossover". J-14. May 10, 2011. Archived from the original on February 2, 2013. Retrieved August 29, 2025.
  13. 1 2 DeAndrea, Joe (August 2, 2011). "Victorious Cast feat. Victoria Justice - Victorious - Album Review". AbsolutePunk. Archived from the original on August 21, 2026. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  14. ↑ "Leave It All to Shine (feat. Miranda Cosgrove & Victoria Justice) - Single". Spotify. Archived from the original on June 29, 2025. Retrieved June 8, 2025.
  15. ↑ "iSoundtrack II – iCarly (Music from and Inspired by the Hit TV Show) on Apple Music". Apple Music). Archived from the original on August 4, 2022. Retrieved January 2, 2025.
  16. ↑ Brown, Madeleine; McNamara, Patricia (January 21, 2012). "Miranda Cosgrove dishes about iCarly iSoundtrack II". Girls' Life. Archived from the original on February 20, 2025. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  17. 1 2 Fuentes, Tamara (June 3, 2021). "Exclusive: Miranda Cosgrove Reveals She Fought Hard to Keep Original 'iCarly' Theme Song in New Revival". Seventeen. Archived from the original on June 3, 2021. Retrieved June 3, 2021.
  18. 1 2 Claire Dodson, P. (June 9, 2021). "'iCarly' Revival Shares Opening Theme Song & Intro: Exclusive". Teen Vogue. Archived from the original on June 17, 2021. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  19. ↑ Yang, Rachel (June 3, 2021). "Miranda Cosgrove says iCarly revival will address Sam's absence". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on December 12, 2024. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  20. ↑ Fuentes, Tamara (June 9, 2021). "'iCarly' Reveals Brand New Revival Opening Theme and It Features Miranda Cosgrove Recreating a Meme". Seventeen. Archived from the original on November 15, 2021. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  21. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Kotansky, Heidi (April 28, 2008). "'Leave It All to Me' (CD single)". Common Sense Media. Archived from the original on May 14, 2021. Retrieved July 11, 2020.
  22. ↑ J. Moser, John (October 24, 2024). "Former Nickelodeon TV star to bring his music to area". Lehigh Valley News. Archived from the original on November 7, 2024. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  23. 1 2 Amber, Ashley (July 19, 2022). "9 Times 'iCarly' Referenced 'Drake & Josh'". Collider. Archived from the original on May 21, 2023. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  24. ↑ Dawson, Jessica (June 10, 2008). "iCarly: Music From and Inspired by the Hit TV Show". Common Sense Media. Archived from the original on May 14, 2021. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  25. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Jenkins, Aric (August 13, 2021). "The Ringer's Definitive Nickelodeon Theme Song Ranking". The Ringer. Archived from the original on February 20, 2025. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  26. 1 2 Caraan, Sophie (June 14, 2021). "DDG Puts a Spin on 'iCarly' Theme Song in New Freestyle". Hypebeast. Archived from the original on October 5, 2024. Retrieved October 9, 2025.
  27. ↑ Viswanath, Jake (June 16, 2021). "7 Things I Noticed Rewatching The iCarly Pilot From 2007 In 2021". Bustle. Archived from the original on February 20, 2025. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  28. ↑ Mills, Danny (July 22, 2022). "8 Childhood TV Theme Songs From the 2000s That We'll Never Forget". Collider. Archived from the original on May 22, 2023. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  29. 1 2 3 4 "Drake Bell Chart History (Billboard Hot 100)". Billboard. Archived from the original on January 14, 2021. Retrieved September 16, 2020.
  30. ↑ Trust, Gary (January 6, 2015). "The Biggest Hot 100 Hits to Peak at Nos. 100–76". Billboard. Archived from the original on December 8, 2024. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  31. ↑ "50 TV Theme Songs That Made the Billboard Charts: Listen". Billboard. October 6, 2015. Archived from the original on November 2, 2022. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  32. 1 2 "Miranda Cosgrove Chart History (Billboard Hot 100)". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 17, 2021. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  33. 1 2 "Pop 100 Chart History" (PDF). Billboard. January 19, 2008. p. 42. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 25, 2021.
  34. ↑ Newman, Debbie (June 17, 2008). "New Video: Miranda Cosgrove, 'Leave It All To Me'". MTV News. Archived from the original on February 13, 2021. Retrieved July 11, 2020.
  35. ↑ "iCarly's Everywhere!". Girls' Life. December 28, 2008. Archived from the original on February 20, 2025. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  36. ↑ "Miranda Cosgrove – Leave It All To Me (Theme from iCarly) (Video) ft. Drake Bell". YouTube. September 28, 2010. Archived from the original on October 4, 2020. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
  37. ↑ Carter, Lauren (February 12, 2011). "Miranda Cosgrove hits some bum notes but that's OK". Boston Herald. Archived from the original on February 10, 2021. Retrieved July 11, 2020.
  38. ↑ Mervis, Scott (February 3, 2011). "Miranda Cosgrove has a blast with her young fans". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Archived from the original on November 15, 2021. Retrieved July 11, 2020.
  39. 1 2 Grant, Stacey (January 13, 2017). "Drake Bell Wishes Miranda Cosgrove Was Still Making Music". MTV News. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved July 11, 2020.
  40. ↑ Cho, Regina (June 15, 2021). "DDG unleashes new 'iCarly (Freestyle)'". Revolt. Archived from the original on November 8, 2025. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  41. ↑ Tolley, Patricia (July 5, 2022). "Nickelodeon star mans the wheels of steel for the 'iParty with DJ Matt Bennett'". Orlando Weekly. Archived from the original on August 15, 2022. Retrieved September 20, 2025.
  42. ↑ Thompson, Sophie (July 19, 2023). "Cast of iCarly belt out theme song while on actors' strike picket line". indy100. Archived from the original on November 9, 2024. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  43. ↑ Aniftos, Rania (July 18, 2023). "'iCarly' Star Jaidyn Triplett Sings Theme Song for SAG-AFTRA Strike". Billboard. Archived from the original on January 14, 2024. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
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