Benson Boone lit up the stage during the 2025 Grammy Awards held on February 2, captivating audiences with his electrifying performance of his hit song "Beautiful Things" at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The 22-year-old former "American Idol" contestant, who was nominated for Best New Artist, brought serious energy to the show, but it was one unexpected moment during his act—an apparent adjustment to his jumpsuit—that caught viewers' attention and became the talk of social media.
Boone, who is known for his acrobatic flair during performances, started the evening dressed in style. He appeared on stage clad initially in a dramatic double-breasted tuxedo, which was later dramatically ripped apart by supermodel Heidi Klum and comedian Nikki Glaser, exposing his shimmering bedazzled baby blue jumpsuit. This flamboyant outfit featured a plunging neckline and waist belt, adding to the spectacle of the performance.
With his signature backflip, Boone kicked off the show on a high note, embodying both musical prowess and theatrical showmanship. Yet, it was toward the end of his performance when things took a mildly NSFW turn. The singer was seen adjusting his ensemble during the act, leaning down and seemingly tugging at his crotch area. This moment quickly made its way to social media, leading various users to comment on his choice of attire and discuss whether he appeared uncomfortable. "Why’d he grab his lil Boone like this?" asked one viewer on X, encapsulating the bewilderment of many.
Despite the unforeseen distraction, the audience rallied behind Boone's passionate vocals and energetic stage presence. By employing dramatic antics, such as wide-leg stances and backflips, he left fans amused and entertained, even as some took to online platforms to express disdain for his original song. One social media user pointedly remarked, "Doing random backflips to distract from the sh*t song. Honestly, I respect it," illustrating the mixed critiques of his musical delivery.
The initial shock and “NSFW” label surrounding Boone's adjustment drew laughter and commentary, with some fans debating the nature and timing of such actions. Others chimed in with jokes, including remarks aimed at comparisons to other performers, noting, "Is this Freddie Mercury?" and verses unfavorably likening him to popular bands like Imagine Dragons.
Many reactions were playful, drawing on Boone's unique performance style—he is famed for his flips during live shows. Over the past year and half, he has amassed attention, from performing at music festivals worldwide to making memorable appearances, such as flipping off of the grand piano at the 2024 MTV VMAS. His repetitive acrobatic flourishes have sprouted as part of his brand, creating curiosity about when and how often they will occur next.
Even with the poor reception of his song's lyrical content, Boone's spectacle remained solid, with users on X saying they couldn't hate the performance regardless of their feelings about the song. His bravado onstage is likely what galvanizes fans to keep tuning in, as the singer has shown resilience and versatility since his breakout moment on "American Idol" back in 2021.
For Boone, his performance wouldn’t come without the significance of also competing against celebrated artists like Chappell Roan, who took home the award for Best New Artist. Although Boone's Grammy dreams didn’t come to fruition, he remains enthusiastic about his blossoming career. While he continues to navigate the tumultuous world of the music industry, the attention garnered from his performance can potentially lead to future opportunities.
Overall, Boone’s Grammy performance proved to be memorable, filled with shining moments, unexpected laughs and mixed critiques. Whether he was viewed as uncomfortable or just playing to the audience with flashes of humor, one thing is certain: Benson Boone made his mark and will most likely keep flipping onto stages for years to come.