Who is Benson Boone? Benson Boone’s journey to becoming one of Gen Z’s most exciting pop-rock sensations is one that has surprised even him. Born in Monroe, Washington, Boone was a typical high school student until he stumbled upon his vocal talent. What began as a spontaneous performance during a school event evolved into an impressive musical career that catapulted him from viral TikTok influencer to Billboard chart-topper, solidifying his place in the pop music industry.
Boone’s discovery of his musical ability came late in his teenage years. He initially hadn’t considered pursuing music seriously until his best friend invited him to play piano in a high school ‘Battle of the Bands’ competition. A twist of fate saw Boone stepping in for an absent singer, and that moment, as he recalls, changed everything. His impromptu performance made him realise the depth of his vocal talent, and this sparked his journey into the world of music.
In 2021, Boone auditioned for American Idol, where he performed a stunning cover of Aidan Martin’s “Punchline.” Judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Katy Perry were captivated by his raw talent and predicted a promising future for the young artist. Katy Perry even boldly claimed, “I see you winning American Idol if you want to.” However, in a surprising move, Boone voluntarily withdrew from the competition during Hollywood Week.
In a later interview, Boone revealed that he left American Idol to avoid being known solely as an “American Idol artist.” He didn’t want his career to be defined by the show; instead, he wanted his talent and songwriting to take centre stage. This bold decision proved to be a pivotal moment in shaping Boone’s independent career.
Following his departure from American Idol Boone quickly gained traction on TikTok, where his covers and original songs began amassing millions of views. His talent caught the attention of Dan Reynolds, the lead vocalist of Imagine Dragons, who personally signed Boone to his label, Night Street Records. Under Reynolds’ mentorship, Boone honed his songwriting and performance skills, paving the way for his breakout hit “Ghost Town.”
Released in late 2021, “Ghost Town” showcased Boone’s emotional vulnerability and powerful vocal range. The song’s success was undeniable, accumulating over 300 million streams on Spotify and reaching the Billboard Hot 100. This track helped establish Boone as a serious artist, gaining him recognition beyond social media platforms.
The release of Boone’s second hit single, “In The Stars,” further cemented his status as an up-and-coming star. Written about the loss of his great-grandmother, “In The Stars” resonated with fans for its raw, emotional depth. Boone’s ability to channel personal experiences into universally relatable music has been a key factor in his growing fanbase.
Boone’s single, “Beautiful Things,” represents another significant leap in his career. Released in January 2024, the song blends folk-inspired verses with a rock-infused chorus, reminiscent of icons like Freddie Mercury. The track remained a fixture on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 3 and holding a spot in the top 10 for several weeks. Boone himself has expressed his awe at the song’s success, describing it as a “dream come true.”
As his popularity skyrockets, Boone remains focused on maintaining authenticity in his music. Touring with his debut album, ‘Fireworks and Rollerblades’ which explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, all while showcasing Boone’s unique blend of pop, rock, and folk influences.
Boone’s journey from TikTok to global pop-rock stardom is a testament to his talent, hard work, and determination. His refusal to conform to the conventional path of reality TV stardom and his dedication to authenticity have earned him a loyal fanbase and the respect of his peers in the music industry. After the release of his debut album and already selling out multiple shows on a world tour including New Zealand, the UK and Europe, it’s clear that Benson Boone’s star is only just beginning to rise. Get your Benson Boone tickets here.
