You’ve seen the TikTok clips. You know the one—where the guy in the vintage-style mustache hits a high note that sounds like a siren and then immediately flings his body into a backflip off a piano. It’s easy to dismiss Benson Boone as just another viral byproduct of the algorithm, a "TikTok singer" who got lucky with a catchy hook about beautiful things.
But if you actually sit in a room during a Benson Boone live performance, you realize the internet doesn't really do him justice.
There’s a weird disconnect between the "pretty boy" image on a smartphone screen and the raw, almost athletic intensity he brings to an arena. Honestly, it’s kinda exhausting just watching him. He doesn't just sing; he treats the stage like a CrossFit gym mixed with a Broadway theater.
The Backflip is Real (And So Are the Vocals)
One of the biggest skeptics' points is usually, "Okay, but can he actually sing without the studio polish?"
Short answer: yeah. Long answer: he’s actually better live.
During his Fireworks & Rollerblades and American Heart tours, fans have noticed something pretty rare in modern pop. He doesn't lean on backing tracks as a crutch. In an era where many artists use "guide tracks" to stay on pitch while dancing, Boone is out there belting at the absolute limit of his vocal range while sprinting across the stage.
Take the song "Slow It Down." In the studio version, the vocal runs are clean and controlled. Live? He adds these gritty, soulful textures that he clearly avoids in the recordings to keep them radio-friendly. It’s almost like he’s bored with the "perfect" version and wants to see how far he can push his vocal cords before they snap.
Why the gymnastics matter
- The Piano Flip: It’s his signature move. He usually does it during "Beautiful Things" or "Cry."
- The Stamina: You’ll see him do three or four backflips a night.
- The Danger Factor: On his 2025 tour, production designer Mitchell Schellenger even mentioned that Boone’s feet often land just inches from the edge of the stage.
It’s not just for show. It creates this frantic, high-stakes energy in the room. You aren't just listening to music; you're watching a guy who is genuinely stoked—and maybe a little reckless—to be there.
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What a 2025 Setlist Actually Looks Like
If you're heading to a show this year, don't expect a short set. He’s moved past the "two-hit wonder" phase and has enough material to fill a proper 90-minute headlining slot.
Usually, the show is split into "acts." He starts high-energy with stuff like "Be Someone" or "I Wanna Be the One You Call." Then, things get quiet. He sits at the piano. This is where he usually plays "In the Stars," and honestly, it’s the only time the crowd stops screaming and actually starts crying.
The middle of the show often features some surprises. Lately, he’s been throwing in a cover of Teddy Swims’ "Lose Control" or even Queen’s "Bohemian Rhapsody"—the latter usually involving a cardboard cutout of Brian May, because he’s goofy like that.
The "Human" Factor People Miss
There’s a specific vibe at a Benson Boone live performance that’s hard to replicate. He’s remarkably humble for someone who has billions of streams.
He talks to the audience. Not just the "How you doing, [City Name]!" talk, but actual conversations. In 2025, a clip went viral where he challenged a fan named Vanessa to a backflip battle on stage. He let her go first, cheered her on, and then did a "drum roll" on his knees before doing his own.
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He also has this habit of wearing hats thrown from the crowd. If you’re in the front row and you have a weird cowboy hat, there’s a 50/50 chance he’ll wear it for three songs. It makes an arena show feel like a basement gig.
The Criticisms (Because Nobody is Perfect)
Let's be real for a second. Some critics—and even some fans on Reddit—argue that he "oversings."
He stays in his upper register for a long time. Some people find the constant belting a bit much, comparing it to a "cat meowing" if they aren't into that style. There's also the concern about vocal longevity. Singing at that intensity every night while doing flips is a recipe for vocal nodules if he isn't careful.
But for the people in the seats? They don't care about "technical restraint." They want the high notes. They want the drama.
How to Get the Most Out of the Show
If you’re planning to catch the American Heart tour or any of his festival dates at places like Coachella or Lollapalooza, here’s the deal.
1. Don't go just for the hits. If you only know "Beautiful Things," you’re going to be confused for 80% of the night. Spend some time with the American Heart album. Songs like "Mr. Electric Blue" and "Young American Heart" are actually the highlights of the live set because they’re built for big rooms.
2. Watch the band. His touring band isn't just background noise. Between costume changes, he gives them massive solos where they basically turn into a rock band for five minutes. It’s loud, it’s messy, and it’s great.
3. Stay late (maybe). He’s known for being one of the few A-list pop stars who still tries to meet people by the tour bus. It’s getting harder as the venues get bigger—Madison Square Garden isn't exactly easy to loiter around—but at smaller amphitheater stops, he often pops out a couple of hours after the show.
4. Dress for a workout. The pits at these shows are intense. It’s mostly Gen Z and parents, but the energy is high-octane. You will be jumped on. You will be screamed at.
The Verdict
Benson Boone is basically what happens when you take a classic 70s rock frontman and put him through a 2020s pop filter. He’s got the theatricality of Freddie Mercury but the "guy next door" relatability of a YouTuber.
Is it "high art"? Probably not. Is it one of the most entertaining live shows in pop music right now? Absolutely.
If you're on the fence about buying tickets because you think he's just a social media fluke, just go. Even if you don't love the music, watching a guy hit a high C while mid-air in a backflip is worth the price of admission alone.
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To prepare for your next show, start by mapping out the venue's "B-stage" or runway layout, as Boone frequently uses these areas for his more intimate piano sets. If you're aiming for the front row, plan to arrive at least four hours before doors open, as his "Boone Crew" fan base is notoriously dedicated to securing barricade spots.