close
close

Benson Boone impresses with powerful vocals and does backflips during the VMA performance of “Beautiful Things”

In 2021, a 19-year-old singer-songwriter from Monroe, Washington, seemed ready to be the next American Idol. Then Benson Boone surprised viewers by leaving the show after a stellar Top 24 performance. It was a risky move, but it paid off. In 2024, the pop-rock singer scored his first Top 5 hit with “Beautiful Things” and even opened for Taylor Swift on her unprecedented Eras Tour. On Wednesday (September 11), 22-year-old Boone made his MTV Video Music Awards debut.

Benson Boone delivers a terrific performance at his first ever VMA appearance

Benson Boone took the stage at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, for his first of many VMA performances. The rising star, resplendent from head to toe in a glittery blue ensemble, made a low-key start with his hit “Beautiful Things.” But by the end, he had pulled off no fewer than two backflips.

In addition to his performance, the “Ghost Town” singer also received nominations in three categories, including Best New Artist. Boone competed with Chappell Roan, Gracie Abrams, Shaboozey, Teddy Swims and Tyla.

Boone also received a nomination in the MTV Push Performance of the Year category for his performance of “In the Stars” in October 2023. His breakthrough hit “Beautiful Things” is nominated for Best Alternative.

[RELATED: “They’re Gonna Swoon Over Benson Boone”: The ‘American Idol’ Audition (and Backflip) That Had Katy Perry Ready to Crown Him]

Why he left “American Idol”

Benson Boone discovered his love of music as a high school student when a friend asked him to play piano and sing at his school's Battle of the Bands. Despite having no singing experience, Boone agreed. And before you knew it, he dropped out of Brigham Young University-Idaho to pursue a full-time career in music.

In 2021, Boone auditioned for the 19th season of American IdolHis audition of Aidan Martin's “Punchline” earned him a golden ticket to Hollywood from judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. The “Pretty Slowly” singer was an early favorite and Perry told him, “I see you winning American Idol if you want.”

Then, for unknown reasons, Boone left the show after making it to the Top 24. He later explained his reasons in an interview with podcaster Zach Sang.

“I decided I wanted to make music, and I don't want people to say, 'Oh, Benson Boone. American Idol blew him up. That's where he came from.' No,” Boone said.

“I want to be Benson Boone because I write huge hits and they love my music,” he continued. “That's why I quit.”

Featured image by Daniel DeSlover/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock

You may also like...