TikTok. That’s the first thing I think about when I hear Benson Boone — oh, and moonbeam ice cream. But after Boone’s headlining Bridgestone show Sept. 9, I think there might be something “Mystical Magical” about the 23-year-old singer-songwriter. If you are hesitant, I get it. I was like you, but maybe I can convince you otherwise.
Before the flips and bedazzled jump suits, the rising singer-songwriter, Elliot James Reay, took the stage. Sporting a greaser-style pompadour and crooning Doo-Wop-inspired melodies, Reay paid homage to the 1950s music era. With hits like “Boy In Love” and “I Think They Call This Love,” Reay positions himself among a new wave of male artists challenging musical norms. It was not just his swoon-worthy vocals, but also his fashion and vintage charisma that demanded attention — even from listeners unfamiliar with the neo-‘50s musical revival.
With an already captivated audience, the stage was set for Boone. One of the first songs he sang was “Wanted Man” — a perfect choice, considering the audience had been eagerly anticipating his arrival. The track cleverly subverts heteronormative tropes of “a man taking a girl home,” with Boone suggesting that she take him instead. The song is also backed by infectious synths and a pulsating beat. The strong bass and heavy kick drum created a striking contrast with Boone’s signature falsetto. By the end of the song, his vocals soared, mimicking the electric edge of a guitar solo.
Boone followed with two tracks from his latest album “American Heart.” He first sung “Man In Me,” a vocally demanding song and then “Drunk In My Mind,” an emotionally charged song about strong dislike, as he described it. Watching Boone move from one vocal belt to the next with ease served as a reminder of his often-underrated talent, especially at this scale.
Boone also paused to speak through teary eyes about a song that he is deeply connected to.
“If you have never heard ‘In The Stars,’ I truly hope you listen to these words,” Boone said. “There are so many different types of loss in this world … I usually say that writing this song has helped me a lot, but singing this song tonight is going to help me a lot.”
Bridgestone ignited with thousands of phone lights as he delivered an intimate rendition of “In The Stars.”
“If there is something you can take out this night — if it is any song — let it be this one. I promise you this song means everything to me,” Boone said.
From heartfelt ballads to theatrical showstoppers, Boone proved he is more than a singer — he is a performer. Boone quite literally embodied Sia’s words, “I want to swing on a chandelier,” by singing on a floating chandelier across Bridgestone. It was something I’ve only seen artists like Katy Perry or Lady Gaga pull off. To see Benson Boone do it? A total shock.
“I understand it’s a shock if you’re brand new to all this,” Boone said as he pointed to his outfit and set.
With lyrics like “They say that he fell from space or some supernatural space” from “Mr. Electric Blue” and “We’re upside down and movin’ in slow motion” from “Young American Heart,” Boone leans fully into theatricality — doing it so naturally.
During “Momma Song,” a montage of childhood clips played on the big screen, including a young Benny flipping on the carpet. It seemed clear that Boone’s knack for entertainment has existed since day one. It’s just now that audiences like me are noticing and catching on.
In a world where male artists often stand with a guitar and sing (which I still love, don’t get me wrong), Boone raises the bar for what a male performer can and should do on an arena show. He doesn’t just sing; he puts on a performance.
I’ve been to many concerts — some would say, too many; Taylor Swift, Morgan Wallen, Tate McRae, you name it. Boone’s headlining show ranks high on my list of loudest crowds. Not only that, but he consistently left me in awe — whether it was his infamous flips, sky-high belts or witty dialogue — he kept the energy alive.
So, am I a Benson Boone fan? Well, I did scream to “Beautiful Things.” After this show, I just might “Pretty Slowly” work my way through his discography on “NIGHTS LIKE THESE.”
