Benson Boone has rapidly ascended in the music industry, earning a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. While the “new” label might be debatable for some nominees with years of industry presence, in Boone’s case, it rings surprisingly true. Just five years ago, music wasn’t even on his radar. So, Where Is Benson Boone From and how did this young artist from a small town reach global recognition?
Benson Boone hails from Monroe, Washington. This Pacific Northwest town, nestled amidst scenic landscapes, might seem worlds away from the glitz and glamour of the Grammy Awards. Yet, it’s the place where Boone’s journey began, a journey marked by an unexpected discovery of his vocal talent and a bold decision to chase his musical dreams.
Early Life in Monroe, Washington: Setting the Stage
Monroe, Washington, is more than just a dot on the map; it’s the backdrop to Boone’s formative years. Growing up in this close-knit community, Boone’s initial passions leaned towards sports and the outdoors, typical interests for a young man in the Evergreen State. He was a competitive diver, enjoying the thrill of athleticism and the beauty of the natural environment surrounding Monroe. Music wasn’t a central theme in his early life, and singing was certainly not on his personal horizon. He enjoyed listening to a diverse range of artists, from Elvis Presley to Adele, but the idea of performing himself was distant.
It was within the familiar walls of Monroe High School that the trajectory of Boone’s life took an unforeseen turn. This local high school, the heart of his hometown, became the unlikely stage for his vocal debut and the catalyst for his burgeoning music career.
The Accidental Singer: Discovering His Voice in High School (Monroe High)
The pivotal moment arrived during a high school battle of the bands at Monroe High. Initially slated to play piano for a friend’s band, Boone was thrust into the spotlight as the vocalist when their singer unexpectedly quit. This last-minute switch was entirely unplanned, a leap of faith into uncharted territory. “We didn’t have a singer and my friend said I should sing and I was like, ‘Dude, I never sang before,’” Boone recounted to the Everett Herald, a local Washington news source.
Despite his hesitation and lack of prior singing experience, Boone took the stage. His parents, present in the audience, were as surprised as anyone. “My husband and I hadn’t heard him sing ever really,” his mother shared with the Everett Herald. “He told us he was going to do it and we were like, ‘Oh, OK, alright, this should be interesting.’ When we went, our jaws dropped.”
That performance was a revelation. Boone himself describes it as “unlocking something I didn’t know I had.” His voice, previously dormant, resonated with an unexpected power and emotion. The experience was transformative, shifting his perspective and unveiling a hidden talent that would redefine his future. Winning the battle of the bands was secondary to the profound self-discovery that occurred on that Monroe High stage.
From Monroe to ‘American Idol’: A Stepping Stone
Buoyed by this newfound confidence, Boone began sharing snippets of his music on TikTok. His raw talent quickly garnered attention, eventually catching the eye of producers from “American Idol.” This national platform was a significant leap from his local performances in Monroe. Interestingly, Boone hadn’t grown up watching “American Idol” and approached the opportunity with a fresh perspective.
Around this time, Boone had enrolled at BYU-Idaho for a semester, a decision seemingly aligned with a more conventional path. However, the burgeoning pull of music was undeniable. The “American Idol” audition became a pivotal crossroads, a chance to test the waters of a potential music career on a national stage.
Stepping into the audition room in front of Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan was a surreal experience for the young singer from Monroe. He humbly shared with the judges that he had only been singing for about a year, a fact that visibly surprised them, especially Katy Perry, who remarked on his seemingly innate talent and stage presence. Perry even boldly predicted, “They’re gonna swoon over Benson Boone. I see you winning ‘American Idol’ if you want to.”
Benson Boone during his American Idol audition, showcasing his raw talent to the judges.
Choosing His Own Path: Leaving ‘Idol’ and Defining His Sound
Despite the judges’ enthusiasm and the potential for “American Idol” fame, Boone made a surprising decision: he withdrew from the competition. This choice, while unexpected, was rooted in his desire to forge his own path, independent of the reality show trajectory. He articulated to 104.3 MYfm that he wasn’t sure if he wanted to pursue music at all initially, and didn’t want to be confined by the “American Idol” label.
Boone’s ambition was to be recognized for his music itself, for writing “smash hits,” rather than being solely defined by his “American Idol” stint. This demonstrated a clear vision and self-awareness for a young artist, prioritizing artistic integrity over instant fame. His parents, though perhaps initially surprised, supported his decision, recognizing his risk-taking nature and believing in his potential. This support was crucial in empowering Boone to pursue his unconventional path.
Global Success: From Washington State to the World Stage
Leaving “American Idol” was not a step back but a strategic leap forward. Boone’s TikTok presence continued to grow, eventually attracting the attention of Dan Reynolds, the frontman of Imagine Dragons. Reynolds became a mentor and signed Boone to his label, Night Street Records. This partnership proved transformative, providing Boone with the industry backing and creative guidance to refine his sound and reach a wider audience.
His debut single, “Ghost Town,” released in 2021, marked the beginning of his professional music career. This was followed by two EPs and his debut album, “Fireworks & Rollerblades,” featuring the global hit “Beautiful Things.” The music video for “Beautiful Things,” filmed in Utah, further amplified his reach, winning an MTV Video Music Award and accumulating hundreds of millions of views.
From performing at local venues near his hometown of Monroe, Boone soon found himself on a world tour, including his first arena show at the Maverik Center in Utah and even opening for Taylor Swift at Wembley Stadium in London. This rapid ascent from a high school stage in Washington State to international arenas is a testament to his talent and determination.
Now, Benson Boone, the young man who discovered his voice in Monroe, Washington, stands as a Grammy-nominated artist. His journey is a compelling narrative of unexpected talent, bold choices, and the realization of dreams that were once unimaginable. From Monroe, Washington, to the global music stage, Benson Boone’s story is just beginning. As he continues his world tour and awaits the Grammy Awards, it’s clear that this artist, shaped by his hometown roots, is poised for even greater heights.
