Between glitter and emotion – Benson Boone breaks with clichés and strikes a chord with his generation.
Benson Boone gave himself the best birthday present this year: a new album. «American Heart» was released on 20th June, and the American singer turned 23 on 25th June. And the young man with the unusual birth name had plenty to celebrate. The songwriter’s successes over the past year and a half are impressive. In 2024, he was nominated for «Best New Artist» at the MTV Music Awards and «International Artist of the Year» at the BRIT Awards, among others. In 2025, he was on the list of contenders for a Grammy as «Best New Artist.» He also achieved five-times platinum certification with the song «Beautiful Things.» In addition, he is considered an exceptional talent worldwide. And currently, it doesn’t look like his winning streak will end.
Making an impression
Most recently, he gave a performance at the legendary Coachella Festival last April that caused quite a stir. He performed a cover version of «Bohemian Rhapsody» with former Queen guitarist Brian May, complete with a somersault from a grand piano. And before that, his appearance at the Grammys in February was celebrated on social media. On stage, he had model mom Heidi Klum rip the suit off his body, revealing underneath a baby-blue, skin-tight glitter jumpsuit, which Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg later gave a second appearance at his wife’s birthday party. Benson Boone succeeds well in presenting himself as a unique individual. But where there’s a «wow,» there’s always another side.
Because what sounds, in such a short summary, like a wealth of self-confidence and suggests that here’s a young guy riding the wave of success and doing so very dominantly, isn’t quite the case. Benson Boone is also no stranger to self-doubt – especially when it comes to his looks. In an interview with «Rolling Stone,»he said: “Because I’m so incredibly hard on myself, and when I start thinking too much about how I look, it just wears me out because there’s always something else I could be doing.” More muscular arms, broader shoulders … the list is long, he concludes. And then he takes a short breath and becomes a realist again: «But I can’t afford to think that way because I’ll never be happy if I think that way.»
Understanding oneself
That sounds pretty mature for a young man in his early 20s. On the other hand, it also shows that being in the spotlight – and with incredible talent – isn’t all glitz and glamour. It’s hard work, including hard work on yourself. Listening to his songs, it quickly becomes clear that Boone sees life as a great opportunity, but also a challenge. He’s always been self-reflective, though. He participated in the 19th season of the talent show «American Idol.» Judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan were impressed, but he wasn’t. He left the show of his own volition, later explaining that «he preferred to develop his musical career independently and in his own way.» In other words, he wanted to continue choosing his own record label, songs, and outfits.
Boone’s first single, «Ghost Town,» was released in October 2021 and was an immediate success. It made the charts in several countries, including the USA, Norway, Germany, and Sweden. The first steps had been taken. In January 2024, the single «Beautiful Things» was released. Not a one-hit wonder, but the result of discipline and an understanding of individuality. Benson Boone isn’t trying to emulate others, hence the reinterpretation of «Bohemian Rhapsody.» But he knows he’s not the first stage hero, and that’s precisely what makes him so likeable. His music is characterised by emotional honesty and addresses love, loss, hope, and self-discovery. Boone himself cites artists such as Adele, Bruno Mars, and Twenty One Pilots as important influences on his work. And yet he remains authentic.
Healthy self-confidence
Boone repeatedly emphasises that he wants to make music that has meaning for him – without submitting to trends or expectations. With his talent, his passion, and his flair for timeless songs, the singer has the perfect opportunity to establish himself in the music world for the long term. His journey has only just begun, but one thing is already clear: Benson Boone is here to stay. He remains true to himself, even when the pressure is increasing – both from outside and within. In a world where likes and click counts often seem more important than artistic substance, he reminds young artists that real emotions and authentic storytelling still have their place. He is proof that vulnerability and strength are not mutually exclusive, but part of a new understanding of masculinity and expression. His lyrics are not showmanship, but a reflection of his inner self. Perhaps this is precisely what touches so many people: an artist who not only performs, but visibly lives what he sings.
Photos Copyrights: Dennis Leupold & David Roemer
Comments are closed.