Benson Boone
Taylor Hill / Getty ImagesBefore Benson Boone he gave Us “Good Things,” he was 18 trying to make it big American Idol.
Now on the verge of stardom, Boone’s journey began on season 19 of the reality singing competition, which aired in 2021. At his audition, Boone confidently walked in to greet the judges. Luke Bryan, Katy Perry again Lionel Richierevealing that he had started singing one year earlier.
“I didn’t know I could sing before last year, I don’t know where it came from,” he said. “It’s become a big love for me very quickly.”
After joking with the judges about the pitfalls of TikTok, Boone took to the piano to sing “Punchline” by the British singer-songwriter. Aidan Martin. When his emotional interpretation was over, Richie and Bryan both stood up and applauded his performance.
“One thing I need to make clear,” Perry began in disbelief. “Haven’t you ever sung weed?”
Boone confirmed and explained that none of his family members sing, prompting Richie to call him a “natural talent.” The Motown legend added, “You know, there are some people who need to practice, and there are people who are gifted at it.”
Bryan went on to praise Boone for not being “cocky,” joking about his pettiness. “He’s still in diapers!” the country singer scoffed. “He is still a toddler when it comes to this world. Just start having fun with your voice because it’s a real gift, man.”
Perry playfully interjected, “They’re going to swoon over Benson Boone,” before taking a more serious tone. “I’m going to tell you something you might not believe,” he said. But if you believe, it can happen. I mean, literally … I see you winning American Idol if you want.”
Boone’s jaw dropped, and after receiving three essays, he flung himself out of the room.
Despite receiving the coveted golden ticket to Hollywood — and rave reviews from the judges — Boone wasn’t cast in the season again. He released his first single, “Ghost Town,” in October 2021 after exiting the competition.
“It was a very difficult decision [to leave Idol],” Boone said in a statement at the time. “I didn’t really know who I wanted to be as an artist, and I didn’t want to show the world someone I wasn’t. … I want people to see that I take music seriously.”
American Idol is a staple in both the world of reality TV and the music industry — but that hasn’t stopped its judging table from being a revolving door of talent. When the series premiered on Fox in 2002, music manager Randy Jackson, choreographer Paula Abdul and music director Simon Cowell formed the music team. […]
He explained his decision in detail during his appearance The Zach Sang Showcommenting, “I don’t want people to be like, ‘Oh, Benson Boone. American Idol he blew him up. That’s where he comes from.’ No. I want to be Benson Boone because I write hit songs and they like my music. That’s why I stopped. I didn’t want that label for myself.”
Boone turned to his parents for guidance, recalling their confusion about his reluctance to continue the competition. “Once I’ve explained it — like, ‘I don’t want this label attached to me for the rest of my life, that I am American Idol a child. But if I really want to make music, and I think I can do it, I’ll try my best to get where I can” — they just believed in me,” he said. “I think it was because they believed in me that I thought I could do it.”
There were still obstacles in the way. “I have never written a song. I didn’t know if I could write a song, I didn’t know how to write a song. I didn’t know where to start writing a song. … I saw an opportunity and took it,” he admitted.
Boone’s fame skyrocketed as he released his debut album, Fireworks and Rollerbladeswhich goes down in April. A month later, Taylor Swift named Boone as one of the opening acts for him The Eras Tour Concerts at Wembley Stadium in London. She performed at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards in September – where she won Best Alternative Video – and kicked off a headlining tour at Colorado’s iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater later that month.
Boone will also take the stage at the 2024 Austin City Limits music festival, performing on October 5 and October 12 at Zilker Park in Texas.