Benson Boone has captured the hearts of fans since he burst onto the music scene in 2021, hailing from Washington state.

The talented singer-songwriter has secured his place on the Billboard charts after releasing his debut single, “Ghost Town.” His unique voice, filled with emotion and vibrato, alongside his dynamic live performances, have drawn a loyal audience.

At just 22 years old, Boone refined his live performance skills during a 2024 tour to promote his first album, “Fireworks & Rollerblades.” This global tour includes dates in Australia and New Zealand through January. Additionally, Taylor Swift invited him to open her record-breaking Eras Tour in London, calling him “such a showman.”

A former contestant on “American Idol,” Boone has earned his first Grammy nomination for best new artist, just a short while after briefly studying at Brigham Young University – Idaho to pursue his singing dreams.

Here’s a closer look at Boone, who is set to compete for his first Grammy at the ceremony on February 2.

Why did Benson Boone leave ‘American Idol’?

After gaining popularity through his singing clips on TikTok, his friends encouraged him to audition for Season 19 of “American Idol” in 2021. Boone made it to Hollywood Week but chose to exit the competition after reaching the Top 24.

“It was an incredibly tough decision,” Boone stated in a 2021 press release for his debut single. “I didn’t want to present a version of myself that isn’t true.”

“Idol” judge Lionel Richie noted Boone’s talent, telling him, “Some people just need practice, and others are naturally gifted.”

Boone took a chance, and later that year, Imagine Dragons’ lead singer Dan Reynolds signed him to Night Street Records. This partnership led to the release of Boone’s debut single, “Ghost Town,” on which he played guitar, drums, and piano.

What songs does Benson Boone sing?

In a 2023 interview with MTV Asia, Boone shared that he grew up inspired by musical legends like Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, Aretha Franklin, and Elvis Presley, while also embracing modern artists such as Adele, Sam Smith, and Shawn Mendes.

“The artists I listened to in high school significantly shaped my sound today,” he mentioned, describing his style as a blend of pop, rock, and soul.

Following a modest response to “Ghost Town,” first featured on his 2022 EP, “Walk Me Home …” and later on the album “Fireworks & Rollerblades,” Boone propelled his career forward with the soulful ballad “Beautiful Things,” which climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

His subsequent singles, “Slow it Down” and “Pretty Slowly,” further solidified Boone’s rising fame.

Although Boone quickly gained success, music wasn’t his first love. As an athlete, he focused on diving while on the Monroe High School team. However, after participating in a school battle of the bands with a friend, he discovered his singing talent and was amazed by his own voice.

“I started singing, and it felt like I unlocked a whole new part of myself,” he reflected in an MTV interview. “It was the most exhilarating feeling ever.”

How did Benson Boone learn to perform flips?

A key feature of Boone’s performances are his impressive acrobatics. He dazzles audiences with a variety of flips, adding an exciting visual element to his shows.

On “The Graham Norton Show,” he revealed that his fascination with gymnastics started when he was a child, watching his father do flips himself.

At just three years old, he began mimicking his father, starting off by jumping off the couch and later progressing to the backyard.

His main rule? “I never do flips while wearing boots.”

Benson Boone at the 2025 Grammys

Boone has clinched his first Grammy nomination for the upcoming 2025 awards.

He will face tough competition in the best new artist category against Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, RAYE, Shaboozey, Khruangbin, Doechii, and Teddy Swims.

The 2025 Grammy Awards are set to take place on Sunday, February 2, in Los Angeles.